Pumas vs Cruz Azul Predictions
Pumas host Cruz Azul at Estadio Olimpico Universitario on Sunday as Liga MX action resumes after the international break.
Both sides have struggled defensively this season, and that pattern looks likely to continue this weekend.
BTTS is my best bet in the capital derby.
Goals Appeal in Mexico City Derby
- Pumas have seen BTTS in their last 3 home matches (Liga MX)
- Pumas conceded 1+ goals in 13 of their last 14 matches
- Pumas have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 5 matches against Cruz Azul
- Cruz Azul have seen BTTS in 8 of their last 11 matches (Liga MX)
- Cruz Azul conceded 1+ goals in 9 of their last 10 matches
Cruz Azul Hold Recent H2H Advantage
Pumas and Cruz Azul have met on 20 occasions in competitive fixtures since 2020. Cruz Azul lead the recent H2H with nine wins. Pumas claimed six victories, while five games finished level.
Cruz Azul claimed a 2-1 win in their most recent encounter in the second leg of the Clausura final in May.
Four of their last five meetings saw both teams score, including a 2-2 draw at this venue in March.
Pumas Look to Bounce Back After San Luis Defeat
Pumas UNAM return to action after a disappointing 3-2 home defeat against Atletico San Luis in their last Liga MX outing two weeks ago.
Goals from Rodrigo Lopez and Juninho proved mere consolation as the visitors claimed a hard-fought win at Estadio Olimpico Universitario.
Both teams had four efforts on target, but San Luis finished the contest with a higher xG (2.32 to 1.38).
Pumas have endured a poor run of form since the start of the season. Esteban Solari's side failed to win nine of their last ten games (all competitions), while they come into this fixture winless in three matches.
Before their home reversal against San Luis, UNAM drew 1-1 at Atlas after a 3-0 defeat against Chivas. A 3-1 home victory over Leon is their only win in the last six league games.
Recent home fixtures have been entertaining, with nine goals scored in their last two Liga MX games at Estadio Olimpico Universitario. BTTS landed in each of their last three home fixtures.
Solari's men now sit 12th in the Apertura with 12 points from ten games.
Cruz Azul Held in Six-Goal Toluca Thriller
Cruz Azul travel across the capital after an entertaining 3-3 draw against Toluca in their last Liga MX fixture at the end of September.
Nicolas Ibanez and Gabriel Fernandez put La Maquina two goals ahead before the interval, but Helinho's penalty and an Alexis Vega double turned the contest around.
Fernandez's second goal of the day in stoppage time rescued a point at the Azteca.
A draw was a fair outcome, with final match stats reflecting an evenly balanced contest. Toluca edged the shot count (18-17) and finished with a slightly higher xG (1.78 to 1.63).
Joel Huiqui's inconsistent side have now failed to win their last three competitive fixtures. Over a longer period, Cruz Azul won three but lost five of their ten previous matches.
La Maquina come into Sunday's Liga MX contest seventh in the division with 16 points from ten fixtures.
Away results have been mixed, with two wins and two defeats registered from four Liga MX road games this season.
Pumas vs Cruz Azul Team News
Pumas: (4-4-2) Keylor Navas; Rodrigo Lopez, Nathan Silva, Alvaro Angulo, Pablo Bennevendo; Uriel Antuna, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Pedro Vite, Cesar Huerta; Luciano Herrera, Juninho Vieira.
Pumas boss Solari has three expected absentees for Sunday's capital derby contest. Sebastian Cordova and Jose Juan Macias remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Cristian Calderon is also expected to miss out.
Adalberto Carrasquilla is available after serving his suspension against San Luis.
Alvaro Angulo and Pedro Vite are among those who could earn recalls to the first XI.
Cruz Azul: (5-3-2) Kevin Mier; Alan Mozo, Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Jesus Orozco, Omar Campos; Carlos Rodriguez, Jeremy Marquez, Agustin Palavecino; Nicolas Ibanez, Gabriel Fernandez.
Head coach Huiqui has several selection issues to deal with ahead of Sunday's derby clash. Jose Paradela remains doubtful with a muscular problem, while Gonzalo Piovi faces a late fitness test.
Carlos Rotondi continues to struggle with plantar fasciitis, and Amaury Morales remains sidelined.
Gabriel Fernandez, Omar Campos and Amaury Garcia are available again after recent fitness issues.