Last seen earlier in the week putting in a routine display as they cruised their way to a 3-0 victory away at Al-Batin, Matthias Jaissie's side are enjoying what has become a recent purple patch. With their sights now firmly set on finding a route into the AFC Champions League spots, the former Salzburg boss should be smelling a golden opportunity here.
Last seen over the weekend picking up some perfect momentum as they clinched a routine 2-0 victory at home against Viborg, the Wolves have won eight of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Booking their Europa League group stage ticket on August 28th as they secured a 6-0 aggregate win against Finnish outfit KuPS, the former Borussia Dortmund coach should also be excited by his side's extended defensive steel.
Starting with the hosts, managing to claim what was an essential boost on their return from September's international break last weekend as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Sporting KC, Real Salt Lake are desperate to find some kind of stability. Getting Thursday's showdown underway sat outside the play-off places, Pablo Mastroeni's men are also pencilled in as a real underdog here.
Chelsea make the short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday for their fourth London derby of the season, as they face Brentford in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca's side have yet to leave the capital this campaign, and their early form has been impressive, with the Blues sitting in second place heading into the weekend. Chelsea return from the international break after a controversial but valuable 2-0 victory over Fulham.
Despite settling for consecutive stalemates against Boreham Wood and Southend over the past week, the Durham-based outfit are unbeaten in all of their first six appearances. Storming their way to a stellar 3-0 romp against Woking on August 23rd, the former Blackpool boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits since opening up the 2025/26 campaign. Getting the midweek fixtures underway knowing that they could skyrocket their way to the National League table, Hartlepool have also gained a reputation for their defensive steel.