The Seattle Sounders will travel to Real Salt Lake on Saturday in their “Saturday Showdown” debut. The Sounders don’t have a ton of history of success in Utah, but will be trying to change that recent history against a somewhat depleted opponent.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: Pedro de la Vega - Knee; Stuart Hawkins - Quad; Jordan Morris - Quad; Ryan Sailor - Knee

QUESTIONABLE: Kim Kee-hee - Calf; Georgi Minoungou - Foot

Real Salt Lake

OUT: Juan Jose Arias - Groin; Emeka Eneli - Knee; Kobi Henry - Hamstring; Diego Luna - Knee; Victor Olatunji - Eye; DeAndre Yedlin - Hamstring

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Opposition players to watch

Zavier Gozo — One of the brightest budding stars in MLS, Gozo is an electric player who could be on his way to Europe as soon as this summer. Although he was deployed in a more defensive role in Week 1, it stands to reason that he’ll be given more license to get forward from his right wingback spot at home.

Morgan Guilavogui — RSL’s newest Designated Player may not start, but is expected to make his MLS debut. The 27-year-old forward is moving here from Ligue 1 side Lens and is expected to lead their revamped attack.

Stats to look smart

15 — The last time the Sounders won at RSL was May 28, 2011, a stretch of 15 games. The Sounders have only even claimed points on three occasions in that time.

8 — Dating back to last year, the Sounders now have an unbeaten streak of eight games. The Sounders are 5-0-3 in that time

Order IV: The Sounder at Heart magazine

Tactics to impress

• In their season opener, RSL deployed what was effectively a five-man backline that featured two mostly stay-at-home wingbacks but also two centerbacks who are more often deployed as fullbacks. It worked in terms of limiting the Vancouver Whitecaps’ attack, but failed to generate much going forward. At home, they’ll likely be in a more attacking posture.
• For all the talk of building out in more of a 2-3 shape, the Sounders deployed tactics that looked almost identical to what they did last year. That meant Nouhou played more as a left-sided centerback in the attack with Alex Roldan more free to join the attack.

Opposition scouting report

Opposition scouting report: Real Salt LakeRSL will be missing several key players.Sounder at HeartSounder at Heart staff

Kit matchup

Standings

Other reading

The new Mr. Sounder?With a possible World Cup on the horizon, we look at what has made Cristian Roldan such a big part of the organization.Sounder at HeartCharles BoehmPRO agrees Hassani Dotson’s goal should have stoodAudio of VAR process also illustrates some serious problems in how the system worked.Sounder at HeartJeremiah OshanMLS roster profiles reveal some unannounced Sounders extensions (before removal)Danny Musovski, Nouhou and Alex Roldan all quietly signed contract extensions.Sounder at HeartJeremiah OshanChanging narrativesSounders look to end difficult streak away against RSL.Sounder at HeartTim Ostlund-FossBrian Schmetzer shares the secrets to his longevityThe Sounders head coach sat down with Sounder at Heart during the team’s preseason in Marbella, Spain.Sounder at HeartJeremiah OshanJordan Morris will be out four weeks with quad strainHassani Dotson cleared to resume playing, Kim Kee-hee returns to training.Sounder at HeartJeremiah Oshan

More listening

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What We Learned This Week: Contract, roster designation, injury updates and win at RSL challenge

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What We Learned This Week: Contract, roster designation, injury updates and win at RSL challenge

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