Charlotte FC vs. Real Salt Lake Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 August 2025

Get ready for an exciting clash as Charlotte FC take on Real Salt Lake at the Bank of America Stadium in Major League Soccer action. Kicking off at 00:30 on 17 August 2025, this match holds significance for both sides as they look to improve their standings. Charlotte FC, sitting 10th with 41 points, are the favorites here, while Real Salt Lake find themselves in 20th with 31 points.

Charlotte have been in solid form, holding three clean sheets in their last five games and averaging 2 goals per match. However, they will miss their top scorer, Pep Biel, due to injury. Real Salt Lake have shown resilience in attack, averaging 2.4 goals per game, although their defense has been shaky, particularly late in matches.

Expect a match with plenty of goals, as both teams have consistently found the net recently. The recommended bet is over 2.75 goals, reflecting the likelihood of an exciting, high-scoring encounter.

Charlotte FC vs Real Salt Lake Prediction & Betting Tip

The recommended betting tip for this match is "Over 2.75 goals." Considering both teams’ recent form and offensive capabilities, this prediction appears to be backed by strong reasoning.

• Both teams have been consistently scoring in their recent matches.
• Charlotte FC have shown strong performance at home, further boosting the chances of a high-scoring game.
• Real Salt Lake’s defense has been vulnerable, particularly late in games, which increases the likelihood of multiple goals.

Charlotte FC vs Real Salt Lake Odds

As we look ahead to the clash between Charlotte FC and Real Salt Lake, let’s dive into the betting odds for this encounter. Charlotte FC have been designated as the bookmaker favorites, not least because of their stronger league position and recent form.

Charlotte FC have a solid track record at home, which is reflected in their odds. On the other hand, Real Salt Lake at 3.44 would be considered an underdog, but those looking for a high-reward bet might find this appealing. Both teams have demonstrated their scoring capabilities recently, promising an exciting and potentially high-scoring game. Make sure to consider these odds when placing your bets.

Charlotte FC Team Analysis

Charlotte FC Recent Performance

Charlotte FC have enjoyed a promising run of form in their last five outings, securing three wins and two losses. Here’s a snapshot of their recent matches:

• FC Cincinnati 0 – 1 Charlotte FC (10 August 2025, Major League Soccer)
• Monterrey 0 – 2 Charlotte FC (07 August 2025, Leagues Cup)
• CD Guadalajara 2 – 2 (Penalty shoot-out: 4 – 2) Charlotte FC (03 August 2025, Leagues Cup)
• Charlotte FC 1 – 4 FC Juarez (31 July 2025, Leagues Cup)
• Charlotte FC 2 – 0 Toronto FC (26 July 2025, Major League Soccer)

Charlotte have displayed both offensive and defensive capabilities, securing three clean sheets in their last five games. They have averaged 2.00 goals scored per game over this period, indicating their potency in attack. Despite the absence of their top scorer, Pep Biel, due to injury, the team has managed to maintain its strong form. This combination of solid performance, defensive strength, and consistent goal-scoring makes them a formidable opponent for Real Salt Lake.

Charlotte FC Key Players

Charlotte FC will be looking to their key players to make an impact in their upcoming match against Real Salt Lake. Despite missing their top scorer, Pep Biel (10 goals), due to a hamstring injury, Charlotte has other crucial players who can take charge.

Wilfried Zaha will be pivotal in midfield, offering creativity and experience. Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada are expected to support the attack with their pace and skill out wide, while Idan Toklomati will aim to finish chances upfront. Defensively, Bill Tuiloma and Tim Ream will be key in keeping Real Salt Lake at bay, and goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina has been solid between the posts.

Expected lineup for Charlotte FC:

• Goalkeeper: Kristijan Kahlina
• Defenders: Bill Tuiloma, Adilson Malanda, Tim Ream, Nathan Byrne
• Midfielders: Brandt Bronico, Wilfried Zaha, Djibril Diani
• Forwards: Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomati, Liel Abada

These players will need to perform at their best to secure a positive result.

Charlotte FC Suspensions & Injuries

Charlotte FC are dealing with some notable absences that could potentially impact their performance in the upcoming match against Real Salt Lake. Their top scorer, Pep Biel, is sidelined with a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to return until early September 2025. This absence will undoubtedly be felt, considering Biel’s 10 goals this season have been key to Charlotte’s campaign. Another injury concern is Souleyman Doumbia, who is also out with a hamstring issue and is expected back in late August 2025. His presence in defense has been crucial in previous matches.

Charlotte FC have no suspensions to worry about, allowing them to have a stable lineup otherwise. However, the missing players will likely force Dean Smith to make tactical adjustments, possibly placing more responsibility on others to fill the void. The team’s ability to adapt to these absences will be crucial for their success against Real Salt Lake.

Charlotte FC Tactics and Formation

For the upcoming match against Real Salt Lake, Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, a setup that has served them well in recent outings.

Charlotte FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Idan Toklomati
• Midfield Trio: Brandt Bronico, Wilfried Zaha, Djibril Diani
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 31-45-minute interval.

In this configuration, Wilfried Zaha’s creativity in the central midfield will be key, supported by the industrious Brandt Bronico and Djibril Diani. The front line, with pacey wingers Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada flanking Idan Toklomati, aims to exploit Real Salt Lake’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly late in the game. Defenders Bill Tuiloma and Tim Ream will anchor the backline, looking to maintain their recent solidity. With three clean sheets in their last five matches, Charlotte’s defensive unit will be crucial in shutting down Real Salt Lake’s forwards. Expect a balanced approach with a potent mix of solid defense and explosive attacking plays.

Real Salt Lake Team Analysis

Real Salt Lake Recent Performance

Real Salt Lake have had a mixed run of form in their last five matches, picking up three wins and two losses. Here’s a breakdown of their recent performances:

• New York Red Bulls 2 – 1 Real Salt Lake (10 August 2025, Major League Soccer)
• Real Salt Lake 1 – 0 Queretaro FC (07 August 2025, Leagues Cup)
• Real Salt Lake 2 – 2 (Penalty shoot-out: 1 – 4) Atletico de San Luis (03 August 2025, Leagues Cup)
• CF America 2 – 2 (Penalty shoot-out: 1 – 3) Real Salt Lake (31 July 2025, Leagues Cup)
• Real Salt Lake 2 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes (27 July 2025, Major League Soccer)

Real Salt Lake average 2.4 goals scored per game in their last five matches, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. However, they have only managed to keep one clean sheet in this period, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defense. Given their position in the standings and the recent mixed results, Real Salt Lake will be keen to tighten up defensively and capitalize on their attacking strengths to secure a positive result against Charlotte FC.

Real Salt Lake Key Players

Real Salt Lake will hinge their hopes on a few key players as they face off against Charlotte FC. Despite being without their top scorer Diego Luna, who is serving a suspension, the team has other vital contributors.

William Agada, who has been in good form, will likely lead the attack alongside Zavier Gozo. Diogo Gonçalves will be crucial in midfield, tasked with creating chances and managing the tempo of the game. On the defensive end, Justen Glad and Brayan Vera will need to be exceptionally solid to control Charlotte’s formidable front line.

Expected lineup for Real Salt Lake:

• Goalkeeper: Rafael Cabral
• Defenders: Noel Caliskan, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Sam Junqua
• Midfielders: Diogo Gonçalves, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, Alexandros Katranis
• Forwards: Zavier Gozo, William Agada

The team will rely on these players to turn their recent mixed performances into a solid effort against Charlotte FC.

Real Salt Lake Suspensions & Injuries

Real Salt Lake will be missing several key figures for their crucial match against Charlotte FC. The most notable absence is their top scorer, Diego Luna, who is serving a one-match suspension due to accumulation of yellow/red cards. Luna’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, as his eight goals this season have been instrumental for the team.

In terms of injuries, the team is also affected. Matthew Bell (hamstring), Javain Brown (knee), Zac MacMath (shoulder), and Mason Stajduhar (hand) are all expected to be sidelined until late August 2025. These injuries leave Real Salt Lake short-handed, particularly in defense and goalkeeping options.

These absences could significantly impact the team’s performance, forcing head coach Pablo Mastroeni to rely on his bench strength and tactical adaptability. The team will need to dig deep to overcome these challenges and put up a strong fight against a resilient Charlotte FC side.

Real Salt Lake Tactics and Formation

For their upcoming match against Charlotte FC, Real Salt Lake, coached by Pablo Mastroeni, are expected to set up in a 4-4-2 formation. Here’s how their tactical approach might shape up:

Real Salt Lake Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: William Agada
• Midfield Duo: Emeka Eneli and Braian Ojeda
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Looking to capitalize on late-game opportunities, especially targeting Charlotte’s vulnerability in the last 15 minutes.

In this structure, William Agada will be the focal point of the attack, supported by Zavier Gozo. Diogo Gonçalves and Alexandros Katranis on the flanks will aim to deliver crosses and initiate wide play, while midfielders Emeka Eneli and Braian Ojeda will anchor the centre. Defensively, the backline, led by Justen Glad and Brayan Vera, will need to be more cohesive given their recent form and the injury challenges. The team will likely focus on breaking quickly and exploiting set-piece opportunities to get the edge over Charlotte.

Charlotte FC vs Real Salt Lake Head-to-Head Statistics

The upcoming clash between Charlotte FC and Real Salt Lake gives us an interesting look back at their last encounter. These two teams faced off on 9 April 2023 in Major League Soccer, where Real Salt Lake emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Charlotte FC.

Last Head-to-Head Meeting:

• Real Salt Lake 3 – 1 Charlotte FC (09 April 2023, Major League Soccer)

Given this context, Charlotte will be eager to settle the score on their home turf. Here are some points to consider:

• Charlotte FC: Strong recent form with solid home performances and a focus on defensive organization.
• Real Salt Lake: Unpredictable form but notable for their goal-scoring capability in recent matches.

Though there isn’t a lot of head-to-head history between these two sides, the previous result and current standings suggest an exciting match-up where both teams will aim to assert dominance.

Odds accurate as of 15 August 2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.