As the Liga MX Apertura 2024 heats up, football fans are in for a treat as Pumas UNAM host Pachuca at the iconic Estadio Olímpico Universitario on July 22. With both teams looking to climb the table, this match promises to be a captivating affair filled with tactical intrigue and individual brilliance.
Team News and Projected Lineups
Pumas UNAM enter this fixture with a clean bill of health, allowing manager Gustavo Lema to field his strongest eleven. The home side is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation:
Pumas UNAM Predicted Lineup: Hector Ramirez, Ulises Rivas, Pablo Bennevendo, Lisandro Magallan, Jesus Rivas, Julio Gonzalez, Jose Caicedo, Rogelio Funes Mori, Angel Rico, Jorge Ruvalcaba, Leonardo Suarez
Pachuca, under the guidance of Guillermo Almada, also report no injury concerns. They’re likely to mirror their opponents with a 4-3-3 setup:
Pachuca Predicted Lineup: Carlos Moreno, Nelson Deossa, Salomon Rondon, Arturo Gonzalez, Jorge Berlanga, Pedro Pedraza, Alan Bautista, Bryan Gonzalez, Borja Baston, Sergio Barreto, Andres Micolta.
Form Guide and Recent Performances
Pumas UNAM have hit the ground running this season, remaining unbeaten in their opening three fixtures. Their impressive form includes two wins and a draw, most recently overcoming Juarez 2-1 in a thrilling comeback victory. This strong start has propelled them to third place in the Liga MX standings with 7 points.
Pachuca, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag of results. With one win, one draw, and one loss, they sit in 11th place with 4 points. However, their recent 2-0 triumph over Atletico San Luis suggests they may be finding their rhythm at just the right time.
Head-to-Head Battle
The historical record between these two sides is remarkably close. In 65 encounters since 1996, Pumas UNAM hold a slight edge with 20 wins to Pachuca’s 18, while 27 matches have ended all square. Last season saw Pumas dominate the fixture, going unbeaten against Pachuca with a win and a draw in their league meetings.
Key Players to Watch
For Pumas, Jorge Ruvalcaba has been a revelation in midfield, dictating play and creating chances. The attacking duo of Leonardo Suarez and Rogelio Funes Mori will be crucial in breaking down Pachuca’s defense.
Pachuca will rely on the defensive solidity of Bryan Gonzalez, while Nelson Deossa’s midfield presence could be key in controlling the tempo. Up front, the experience of Salomon Rondon might prove decisive in tight situations.
Match Prediction
Given Pumas’ current form and home advantage, they enter this match as slight favorites. Their attacking prowess, having netted seven goals in three games, contrasts with Pachuca’s struggles in front of goal, failing to score in two of their three matches.
While Pachuca’s recent win might have boosted their confidence, Pumas’ momentum and home support could prove decisive. A close encounter is expected, but Pumas UNAM might edge it with a predicted scoreline of 2-1.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the action live on TUDN, Canal 5 Televisa, ViX and TUDN En Vivo with the broadcast beginning at 11:00 PM GMT on July 22, 2024.
Latest News
Pumas UNAM have been making waves with their strong start to the season. Manager Gustavo Lema’s tactical approach, emphasizing quick transitions and high pressing, has been particularly effective. The team’s defensive solidity, conceding just one goal per game, has been a key factor in their success.
For Pachuca, the focus has been on finding consistency. Their recent win against Atletico San Luis has injected new life into their campaign, with manager Guillermo Almada praising his team’s improved defensive organization and attacking efficiency.
As both teams aim to solidify their positions in the Liga MX, this match promises to be a captivating encounter filled with tactical nuances and individual brilliance. Football enthusiasts won’t want to miss this exciting clash between two of Mexico’s prominent clubs.
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