The Estadio León will play host to an intriguing Liga MX Apertura matchup on Monday as Club León welcome Necaxa in a battle between two sides desperate for points. With both teams struggling for form early in the season, this contest could prove pivotal in shaping their campaigns.
Lineups and Team News
León manager Jorge Bava has some injury concerns to contend with as he prepares his side. Forward Federico Viñas remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon issue, while midfielders Andres Guardado (hamstring) and Ivan Moreno (metatarsal fracture) are doubtful.
The hosts are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Jhonder Cadiz and Ettson Ayon leading the line. Alfonso Alvarado could retain his place in midfield after scoring in the previous match.
Predicted León XI: Rodriguez, Medina, Ayon, Ambriz, Bellon, Cadiz, Barreiro, Frias, Alvarado, Reyes, Blanco
Necaxa boss Eduardo Fentanes has his own selection headaches, with forward Bryan Garnica suspended after receiving a red card last time out. Midfielder Alek Álvarez is also a doubt due to a shoulder problem.
The visitors may opt for a 4-2-3-1 system, spearheaded by in-form striker Diber Cambindo. José Paradela could be key in the number 10 role.
Predicted Necaxa XI: Monreal, Cortez, Sandoval, Oliveros, Cambindo, Palavecino, Rosero, Paradela, Pena, Mayorga
Where to Watch
Fans in Mexico can catch the action live on TUDN and ViX, with kick-off scheduled for 8:05 PM local time on Monday, July 22nd.
Form Guide and Predictions
León have endured a tough start to the Apertura campaign, picking up just two points from their opening three matches. Their last outing saw them squander a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Puebla.
Necaxa have fared slightly better, earning three points from three games. However, they come into this clash on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Monterrey.
Given León’s home advantage and greater desperation for a result, they may just edge this encounter. A 2-1 victory for the hosts seems a reasonable prediction.
Key Stats
León have scored in each of their last seven home league matches. Necaxa have lost their last three away games in Liga MX. The last five meetings between these sides have produced an average of 3.2 goals per game.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent history favors León in this fixture. They are unbeaten in their last three encounters with Necaxa, including a 2-1 away victory in their most recent clash in April.
In the past 10 meetings, León have won eight times to Necaxa’s solitary victory, with one draw.
Liga MX Standings
Both teams find themselves in the bottom half of the table heading into this matchup. León sit 14th with 2 points, while Necaxa are 13th with 3 points. A win for either side could propel them into the top half, highlighting the importance of this early-season clash.
Latest News
León will be buoyed by the goalscoring form of Jhonder Cadiz, who netted twice in their draw with Puebla. The Venezuelan striker has already matched his tally from the entire Clausura season.
For Necaxa, much will depend on the performances of Diber Cambindo. The Colombian forward has hit the ground running since arriving on loan from Cruz Azul, scoring twice in his first three appearances.
As both teams search for their first win of the Apertura, this promises to be a closely-fought and potentially crucial encounter in the context of their seasons.
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