Critchley acknowledges the challenges of traveling in the MLS, including travel and time zone adjustments, but insists that the team's approach should remain consistent regardless of location.

St. Louis City SC's interim head coach, David Critchley, emphasizes the need for his team to play with bravery and confidence as they prepare to face Real Salt Lake away from home this weekend.

Currently sitting 14th in the Western Conference, St. Louis has struggled with away games, failing to secure a victory since a 3-0 win against the LA Galaxy in March and earning only five points from ten away matches this season.

Real Salt Lake is also struggling, having earned only one win in their last nine games, which leaves them at 13th in the standings after a recent draw with Sporting Kansas City.

Salt Lake's head coach, Pablo Mastroeni, noted the importance of creating scoring opportunities despite the draw against Kansas City, highlighting their xG of 1.28 from 20 shots.

Historically, St. Louis won their first meeting against Real Salt Lake with a 4-0 scoreline, but they have since struggled to score against them, netting only three goals in the last three encounters.

Key players to watch include Johnny Russell from Real Salt Lake, who has scored in consecutive matches for the first time since June 2024, and Roman Burki from St. Louis, who has consistently made five or more saves in matches since joining the team.

Critchley advocates for a consistent approach regardless of playing at home or away, urging players to aim for a win rather than settling for a draw during away matches.

Real Salt Lake has won three out of five home games this season, while St. Louis has struggled offensively, being shut out multiple times, including their last game against Houston.

The match prediction favors Real Salt Lake with a 55.4% chance of winning, compared to 21.6% for St. Louis City.

St. Louis City's Roman Burki has consistently performed well as a goalkeeper, recording a significant number of saves since joining the team.