Cruz Azul vs Club America Predictions
Cruz Azul and Club America meet at Estadio Banorte on Sunday in a Liga MX Apertura contest.
The visitors are in better form, and they should have the edge in a likely entertaining derby battle.
BTTS looks likely, while I also have a stake on the hosts to avoid defeat.
BTTS Likely in Clasico Joven
- Cruz Azul have seen BTTS in 10 of their last 13 matches
- Cruz Azul are unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 matches against Club America
- Club America failed to win 5 of their last 6 away matches against Cruz Azul
- Club America have seen BTTS in their last 3 matches against Cruz Azul
- Club America have seen BTTS in 5 of their last 6 away matches (Liga MX)
Club America Hold Recent H2H Advantage
Cruz Azul and Club America have met on 19 occasions since 2020. Cruz Azul won five of those matches, while Club America claimed seven victories. Seven matches finished level.
Cruz Azul Claim Back-to-Back Wins
Cruz Azul return to Estadio Banorte after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Santos Laguna last Sunday.
In a tight contest that looked destined to finish goalless, Jose Paradela broke the deadlock in the 89th minute as Joel Huiqui's side secured a second successive league win.
La Maquina were worthy winners in Mexico City, registering seven shots on target from 25 efforts on goal. Cruz also finished with a superior xG total (1.87 to 0.39).
Establishing a run of consistent form will be the priority for Joel Huiqui’s side. Cruz Azul won four but lost three of seven Liga MX games this season.
An average of over three goals per game were scored in their first seven league fixtures.
Defensive vulnerabilities have been a recurring issue for the hosts, who kept only two clean sheets in their last 14 competitive fixtures.
Club America Return to Liga MX Action
Club America make the short trip across Mexico City after a 1-0 defeat against Club Leon in Sunday's Leagues Cup third-place playoff in Houston.
Didier Cambindo’s second-half goal proved decisive as Guillermo Almada's side missed out on a place in next season's Concacaf Champions Cup.
Los Azulcremas could consider themselves unfortunate to leave the Leagues Cup empty-handed. Guillermo Almada’s side outshot Leon 15-8 and posted a higher xG total of 1.84 to 0.81.
America have made an excellent start to their domestic campaign. The visitors won five and drew one of their opening six Apertura fixtures, scoring 12 goals and conceding only two.
Las Aguilas secured a fourth straight league win with a 2-0 victory over Puebla in their most recent Liga MX contest. Icaro opened the scoring midway through the first half before Brian Rodriguez secured the points in the closing stages.
Strong on their travels, America picked up seven points from their first three away league matches.
Cruz Azul vs Club America Team News
Cruz Azul: (4-1-4-1) Kevin Mier; Omar Campos, Jesus Orozco, Willer Ditta, Alan Mozo; Erik Lira; Luka Romero, Agustin Palavecino, Jeremy Marquez, Carlos Rodriguez; Nicolas Ibanez
Cruz Azul boss Huiqui is expected to retain much of the side that started last weekend's victory against Santos Laguna.
The hosts have three injury issues, with Gonzalo Piovi, Carlos Rotondi and Amaury Morales set to miss out this week.
Jose Paradela is pushing for a return to the first XI after a goalscoring substitute appearance against Santos Laguna.
Club America: (4-2-3-1) Fernando Tapia; Dagoberto Espinoza, Miguel Vazquez, Ramon Juarez, Emilio Lara; Icaro da Conceicao, Edwin Cerrillo; Oscar Perea, Alexis Gutierrez, Brian Rodriguez; Miguel Borja
America head coach Almada could make changes after fielding a much-altered side in Sunday's Leagues Cup defeat against Club Leon.
Luis Malagon, Israel Reyes, Raphael Veiga and Henry Martin are among those pushing for recalls.
Brian Rodriguez should retain his place after scoring four league goals this season.