Pachuca
- Sunday’s Liga MX game sees Pachuca CF host Puebla in a clash that should favour the home side, who sit fifth in the Clausura table on 14 points and are pushing hard for a top-eight Liguilla place.
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Los Tuzos are in good form, coming into the game unbeaten in five (W3, D2) after recent victories followed by a solid away draw at Querétaro.
- Juárez (2-0)
- Atlas (3-1)
- Tigres (2-1)
- Querétaro (draw)
- Once in transition, the home team, who will likely be looking to dominate possession on Sunday, can hurt opponents with their powerful striker Salomón Rondón, mobile and explosive wingers and a dynamic number ten.
Puebla
- Puebla have won just two of their eight Clausura fixtures (W2, D2, L4) and have drawn their last two games 0-0 against Toluca and Tijuana.
- The visitors are among the lowest-scoring teams with just five goals in eight rounds and have the added problem of Lucas Cavallini being a doubt.
- His potential absence will add pressure on young forwards Esteban Lozano and Ignacio Maestro Puch to produce the goals, which could be a big ask against a home side who can make life tough for any striker.
- There will be a marked contrast in style between these two teams on Sunday, but it’s hard to see Espigares’ pragmatic, containment-first approach overcoming Pachuca’s attacking firepower and home advantage.
Key Players
- Once in transition, the home team can hurt opponents with their powerful striker Salomón Rondón, mobile and explosive wingers and a dynamic number ten.
- Oussama Idrissi has given Solari’s side a wide player who can play as a number ten or a winger and his ability to provide assists and score goals makes Pachuca an unpredictable attacking force at home.
- If Kenedy also plays, they will have an explosive wide player on both flanks, adding another dimension to their attacks.
- His potential absence will add pressure on young forwards Esteban Lozano and Ignacio Maestro Puch to produce the goals.
- Julio González, Puebla’s keeper, could face a barrage of shots in this game given the visitors’ defensive frailties.
Betting Insights
- Pachuca are the clear favorites at 1.63, which is a little short for our tastes, but there’s plenty of value to be found in the draw odds at 3.74 and the hosts are worth a two unit stake to win this game.
- Espigares will have his side set up to contain and they will be very difficult to break down if they play with the same structure and discipline as they have done in recent weeks.
- The Both teams to score - No market offers an alternative play at 1.96.
Prediction
- Back Pachuca to make their superiority count; the hosts look most likely to take the three points.
- Consider the BTTS - No option as a secondary play given Puebla’s scoring struggles and a likely Pachuca attacking barrage.
