Monterrey (home)
- Monterrey are mid-table on 14 points from 11 games.
- Monterrey are a more methodical side, preferring to build from the back and keep possession, but interim coach Nicolás Sánchez has brought a little more urgency to their attacking play and their transition game.
- However, they are still looking for more defensive stability and a clear identity that they can play with conviction.
- Luca Orellano, who was a super-sub for Rayados in the opening rounds of the season, has found a bit more time to make an impact under Sánchez.
- His brace and assists in last week’s 4 - 0 win over Querétaro highlighted the team’s newfound attacking edge, but two losses and two draws in their last five matches have highlighted how much work they still have to do.
Chivas (away)
- Chivas Guadalajara are the top of the Clausura 2026 table on 24 points after 10 matches.
- Chivas have won three of their last five matches.
- Chivas’ style is based around a pressing game where the wingbacks move forward and the wingers push into halfspaces while a No 10 screens the attack and the strikers push up to put pressure on the opposition’s defense.
- There’s a lot of intensity in the game and it can lead to goals, particularly if the pressing game is on and the team is winning the ball back high up the field.
Key Players
- Armando ‘Hormiga’ González is among the league’s top scorers this Clausura, netting in big matches and spearheading their attack.
- Chivas’ fullbacks are both attacking players, but the driving force behind their attack comes from the likes of midfielders Roberto Alvarado and Richy Ledezma.
- Cade Cowell adds pace and width.
- Luca Orellano, who was a super-sub for Rayados in the opening rounds of the season, has found a bit more time to make an impact under Sánchez.
- Jesús 'Tecatito' Corona will be able to provide some leadership as well as one-on-one skill on the flanks, while Sergio Canales can supply the passing, set-piece threat and overall creativity from the number 10 role.
Betting Insights
- Chivas are a touch of value as favourites at 2.44 for this game, although 2.7 looks fair for Monterrey, who will benefit from a new-manager bounce and home-field advantage.
- However, the BTTS market looks too short at 1.62 and we are going to take that rather than the long odds on Chivas to win this by a 2 - 1 score because the visitors’ possession-based game and pressing approach should result in plenty of goalmouth action.
Prediction
We are taking the draw at 3.45 because these two teams are very evenly matched and this contest could go either way.
