Chivas Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul Odds, Predictions, and Picks

WSN

02 November 2023

Chivas Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul Odds, Predictions, and Picks

Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul Prediction

Chivas will take plenty of heart from their performance against Queretaro FC in the last match. Despite being reduced to ten men, the club defended their slender advantage to clinch a 2-1 win.

Erick Gutierrez (10’) and Roberto Alvarado (34’) established a two-goal cushion before Pablo Barrera (55’) pulled one back for Queretaro. The match was evenly poised, but Chivas had a better conversion rate in front of the goal.

Cruz Azul will be wary of their formidable opponents but will bank on their clinical 2-0 victory over FC Juarez at home. Angel Sepulveda (14’) and Uriel Antuna (62’) netted on either side of the half to seal the three points after a dominating performance.

Chivas Guadalajara will be the firm favorites to win this Apertura encounter against Cruz Azul. The 12-time Liga MX champions are one positive result away from confirming their playoff berth this season.

Chivas Guadalajara and Cruz Azul have faced off in 27 matches since 2010. Cruz Azul have stamped their authority in the rivalry, clinching 11 wins, while Chivas have won six, and ten matches ended in draws.

In their previous meeting in the 2023 Clausura season earlier this year, Victor Guzman and Ronaldo Cisneros turned the game on its head after Uriel Antuna’s 37th-minute strike had put Cruz Azul in front.

Cruz Azul’s last win in Guadalajara’s backyard came in the 2020 Guard1anes Apertura season. A Jonathan Rodriguez brace handed the visitors all three points and a vital clean sheet that evening.

The win also marked Cruz Azul’s fourth successive win over Chivas in their own backyard. After the 2016 Apertura season, Chivas did not win a single home game against Cruz Azul till the 2023 Clausura season win earlier this year.

Chivas Guadalajara Eye Better Home Performance

Chivas will be eager to improve and fix their defense after their 0-4 loss to Tigres UANL in their last home match.

Nicolas Ibanez (15’, 53’) scored the brace for the visitors, while Diego Lainez (86’) and Marcelo Flores (90+6’) netted one goal each. Chivas struggled to withstand the Tigres UANL attack as three out of their four-man defense were shown yellow cards. Coach Veljko Paunovic will have to work on the poor defense and make the side more resilient.

Key Forward to Serve Suspension

The hosts will miss out on the services of their key striker, Ricardo Marin, in the upcoming clash. Marin was dismissed in the 83rd minute against Queretaro.

The Mexican has been a crucial part of the team in the ongoing season, as he has netted four times and assisted once in 15 appearances.

Meanwhile, left-winger Alexis Vega is doubtful for the next match. The Mexican has netted one goal in seven appearances. Carlos Cisneros (cruciate ligament injury), Jesus Orozco (thigh injury), Jose Macias (cruciate ligament injury), and Jose Rangel (head injury) will continue to be unavailable for selection due to their respective injuries.

Alvarado-Calderon Crucial for Hosts

Mexican forward Roberto Alvarado and left-back Cristian Calderon will be the key players for Chivas. The hosts will expect them to bring their goal-scoring boots to the match.

Alvarado has netted six goals and assisted once in 12 appearances, while Calderon has assisted thrice in 11 matches.

Cruz Azul Look to Extend Unbeaten Run

Cruz Azul will be keen to extend their unbeaten run in the 2023 Apertura. The visitors have registered back-to-back wins over Champions League winners Club Leon and FC Juarez in their last two fixtures.

In both games, Cruz Azul kept a clean sheet. Confidence and morale are high, and the visitors will look to salvage at least a point against their formidable opponent to keep their unbeaten run intact.

Young Defender Doubtful for the Clash

Young center-back Cristian Jimenez will be doubtful to start for Cruz Azul in their upcoming fixture.

The 21-year-old sustained an ankle injury in the last week of October and is still a few days away from regaining full fitness.

All Eyes on Talismanic Forward

Cruz Azul will expect their talismanic forward, Angel Sepulveda, to produce moments of brilliance to pull off an upset against their higher-ranked opponents.

The Mexican has been in the thick of things since he arrived at the club. He has scored nine goals in 12 appearances. Uriel Antuna will provide additional attacking support. The 26-year-old has scored five and assisted four goals in 12 appearances so far.

Meanwhile, Diber Cambindo will also be crucial with his goal-scoring prowess, which has seen him bag four goals and one assist.