Sporting Kansas City face Real Salt Lake at Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas on Sunday, Oct 18 at 2:30 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.

Sporting Kansas City come into this fixture struggling badly (0W 4L in last 5). Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, arrive struggling badly (0W 3L in last 5) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks.

Despite playing at home, Sporting Kansas City face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Real Salt Lake have won 6 of 10 encounters, with 2 draws. Their last encounter ended in Sporting Kansas City won 1–3. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 3.4 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Sporting Kansas City a slight edge, but Real Salt Lake are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.