RSL 2025 Starting Lineup Predictions

Written Jan 8 2025

The Real Salt Lake 2025 season is quickly approaching. Our first competitive game is February 19th against Herediano. While there is still a lot of time to change the roster, we've had a few additions and departures. So we can start to see where the roster is going to end up. While it is likely there will be more changes especially up top, for the purpose of this article I will only be acknowledging the Matt Crooks rumors in the lineup.

This opinion assumes we will be playing in some variation of a 4-2-3-1, sometimes considered a 4-3-3 with one attacking midfielder. It is possible we play with a back three this season, but I can't bet on it. As such I'll be writing this with 1 striker, 2 wingers, 1 attacking midfielder, 2 pivot midfielders, 2 fullbacks, 2 center-backs, and one goalie.

Starting 11

Striker - Chicho Arango

This writes itself. If he can play, you play him. He has another good backup this year. I understand he didn't have a good second half this season. But IF he is available you have to start Chicho.

Left Wing - Diego Luna

Diego is one of the first players on this team sheet, the last two years he has been a mentality monster. He produces end product and gives a good example to everyone what it means to play for the team. IF we can keep him through the transfer window he starts when fit. I could also see him being interchangable in the Central Attacking Midfielder position. It's honestly my preference but this is my prediction not a hope.

Central Attacking Midfielder - Diogo Goncalves

Diogo didn't get much time to show what he had last season. However, after the likely departure of Matt Crooks, Diogo is a DP who we should expect to see a lot of this season. I could also see him switching with Diego on the left wing. One thing of note here is that last year Matt Crooks did a lot of running in this position. I feel like all playing time in this spot will be conditional on his ability to replicate that. If he can't I could see Pablo switching Diogo to the wing and giving Diego the minutes.

Right Wing - Dominik Marczuk

This is another easy decision. He tore it up in the second half of the season, he's a U22 and had a great offseason with the Polish National team. I hope we see his name 40 times on the starting 11 this season.

Defensive Midfielder 1  - Braian Ojeda

Coming off his best season ever I can't imagine him not playing this year. I haven't heard of any rumors of his departure. I hope he competes well with Pablo and Nelson and can contribute 30 starts this season. 

Defensive Midfielder 2 - Emeka Eneli

Same thing as Braian, great year, great recognition. He has to play. I feel for Nelson Palacio and Pablo Ruiz, but these two midfielders were incredible last season and I cannot comprehend them being dropped. However, later in this article I do talk about some lacking options in the right back position. I would also consider it a possibility for Emeka to play right back and start Pablo or Palacio in this spot so we can get our best players on the field. I'd watch the USMNT games to see where Mauricio Pochettino plays Emeka, it could be a good indicator of where his ceiling is highest.

Right Back - Bode Hidalgo

We have 3 right back options on the senior roster, Javain Brown, Andrew Brody, and Bode. All 3 have not written their name in stone, and are prone to mistakes without providing significant contributions in attack. As such I'm picking the most athletic of the 3 as he is most likely to be able to recover from mistakes and provide more dynamism than the other options. Would love a high salary transfer in this position, we can afford it.

Left Back - Alexandros Katranis

Last season he had a lot of good moments, I remember a lot of great shots, goals and assists. Those bright moments alone leave me hoping to see more from the Greek this season. 

Left Center Back - Brayan Vera

Brayan is a good left footed center back. He is also error prone and has been known to have lapses in discipline on the field. I hope this is the year he can sort it out. He needs to because Sam Junqua is another left footed center back with 100 MLS starts breathing down his neck.

Right Center Back - Justen Glad

My captain. He's come off two good seasons, and I can't imagine an RSL without him. He's also sneakily become one of our highest earners.

Goalie - Gavin Beavers

Neither of the goalies were great last year. Gavin was probably worse than Zac Macmath, but ASSUMING both players are here when the first whistle blows I'd hope the youngster learned from his mistakes and can start actualizing his potential.

Bench (first 5)

Striker - Elias Manoel

The young Brazilian has shown the ability to score goals. That's what you need off the bench. Let's hope he can equal or best Anderson Julio's pace.

Winger - Lachlan Brook

Didn't show much last season, but I've heard great things about his work rate. I'm hopeful him along with Tyler Wolff can compete with the starters this season.

Midfielder - I have no preference

It could be Pablo Ruiz, Nelson Palacio, or both, I just want them to compete for their spot. Very happy Pablo is healthy again. I could also see a trade happening here.

Defender - Sam Junqua

Very excited to see what the veteran defender can do this season. Last year we played so many out of position players at center back. I am begging him to stay healthy and soak up any minutes the starters can't take this season.