Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake Prediction: Will Minnesota's Defensive Fortitude Prevail or Can Real Salt Lake Crack Their Code?

The MLS playoffs go on. Minnesota United and Real Salt Lake square off in the second leg of the Best-of-3 series between these two sides. The first leg finished in a goalless stalemate, after which Minnesota won a tight 5-4 penalty shootout. Both teams were outstandingly disciplined at the back, and although the number of goal-scoring opportunities was restricted, there was no shortage of drama. The standout performance for Salt Lake was from Zac MacMath, who made six saves in total, including a penalty save that almost turned the tie in favor of Salt Lake. As for Minnesota, this game will seal their spot in the next round at home, while Salt Lake needs a win to keep their playoff journey alive. This promises to be another closely contested affair with both sides trying to make a statement.

With Eric Ramsay at the helm, Minnesota United has resolutely adopted a 5-4-1 format, which evidences itself in radical defensive structure and disciplined midfield lines. And this has served them well: a six-game clean sheet run and a healthy unbeaten streak coming into this game-a good reward for the effort thus far. Key player for Minnesota will once again be Zac MacMath, whose heroics in the penalty shootout have lifted group confidence sky-high.

Eric Ramsay's 5-4-1 shape has provided a fortress, a reason for Minnesota to be confident with controlled possession and careful buildup from the back. Compact in midfield, MNUFC cuts the space down for Salt Lake's playmakers. The two central midfielders have also been a key link in joining defense with attack, often holding play up as wingers tuck inside to support lone forward Kelvin Yeboah. This strategy gives strength not only to their rear guard but also opens up the avenue for swift counterattacks whenever Salt Lake loses possession.

Minnesota's offense has shown a certain amount of discipline thus far, looking for the right time to strike rather than forcing the issue. The big test will come in finishing their limited opportunities; they managed just three big chances in the first leg but did well when necessary to push Salt Lake deep into their own half. Expect them to maintain a low line-defending and conceding minimal space for RSL's counter-attacks-while looking to score from set-pieces or long-range efforts.

Under Pablo Mastroeni, Real Salt Lake mainly uses a 4-2-3-1 system that allows flexibility in tactics, but will require sterling individual performances, especially at the head of their team. RSL also uses Jefferson Savarino as the creative presence in the middle and relies on transitional moments to expose Minnesota. They will look to capitalize on counter-attacks, set pieces, or any transition play.

The Salt Lake formation under Pablo Mastroeni is 4-2-3-1, with reliance on midfield control and intelligent positioning. With a double pivot shielding the backline, they will have room for Jefferson Savarino to find pockets of space, thereby creating opportunities for the inside wingers and lone striker. This is whether they will be able to do that against Minnesota's compact midfield.

The Salt Lake will look to exploit the wings, where they can stretch Minnesota's backline, thus creating gaps for late runners from midfield. The defensive contributions from Zac MacMath also give them confidence, but now they need more precise finishing in open play. Set pieces are very important, too, as RSL has been proficient in creating chaos during those dead-ball situations.

This season, recent meetings between Minnesota and Salt Lake have generally ended all-square, with Minnesota leading the all-time series 5-3. An incredible 12 of their 20 matches have ended in draws, with these two sides often cancelling each other out, which could be the case again in the second leg. Indeed, recent matches between the sides have tended to be tight, low-scoring affairs, with four of their last five meetings coming in under 2.5 goals, showing that these sides are relatively well-matched, with matches between them often ending in tactical stalemates.

Five of the last six meetings have concluded with fewer than 10.5 corners, while four of the last five have witnessed fewer than 2.5 goals. These suggest low-scoring tight encounters. Unbeaten in seven; five of the last seven have witnessed less than 4.5 cards. Unbeaten in six; five clean sheets in recent head-to-heads with Salt Lake.

With both teams carrying pretty good unbeaten streaks and coming from a closely contested first leg, expect another tight match with minimal goals scored and hard fighting in midfield. Minnesota has been solid defensively under Ramsay, but Real Salt Lake is one of those teams that can be opportunistic from most tight spots on the pitch for a counter-attack. The key question will be whether Real Salt Lake can finish the limited chances handed over by Minnesota's disciplined defense.

Given that both teams' recent matches have been low-scoring and the set-ups for defenses, scoring will more than likely again be at a premium. Both teams have shown in the past conservative gameplay, looking to limit corner opportunities. Given Minnesota's defensive toughness and home-field advantage, they more than likely will fend off Salt Lake and advance into the next round.

• Under 3.5 Goals @ 1.60 Odds
• Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.25 Odds
• Under 11 Corners @ 1.80 Odds