Real Salt Lake face San Jose Earthquakes at America First Field, Sandy, Utah on Thursday, Oct 15 at 3:30 AM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the MLS, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Real Salt Lake come into this fixture struggling badly (0W 3L in last 5). San Jose Earthquakes travel struggling badly (0W 4L in last 5), which may hand the initiative to the hosts.

Head-to-head records offer little separation — Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes have split their 10 meetings almost evenly (5W–1D–4W). Their last encounter ended in Real Salt Lake won 2–1. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 2.6 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: Little separates these two on form or history. Home advantage could be the deciding factor — a narrow Real Salt Lake win or a draw looks most likely.