Cruz Azul vs. Chivas Guadalajara Prediction, Picks, Odds

WSN

01 March 2024

Cruz Azul vs. Chivas Guadalajara Prediction, Picks, Odds

Cruz Azul vs. Chivas Guadalajara Predictions

Cruz Azul marked the start of the season with a disappointing 1-0 at home to Pachuca. After that, the club was held to a goalless draw at Juarez. The club went on a six-game winning streak from the third game, defeating Mazatlan, Tijuana, Queretaro, San Luis, Tigres, and Leon. During this stint, the nine-time Liga MX Champions scored 13 goals and conceded just four, keeping three clean sheets. The prolific run ended last weekend after defending champions Club America scraped past Cruz Azul in the high-octane derby.

Chivas Guadalajara’s recent five-game unbeaten run ended over a week ago when the club fell to a 1-0 defeat against Necaxa. The 12-time Liga MX champions quickly bounced back and did that by handing Pumas a 3-1 defeat last weekend. As things stand, Chivas are ranked eighth in the league with 15 points in their kitty. Securing a playoff spot this season will be a massive challenge for every title contender, and Chivas are currently sitting behind all the other title contenders.

The two clubs from the traditional big four of Mexico’s top division are separated by just four points. Cruz Azul need a win to maintain their pace with Monterrey at the top of the table, while Chivas need a win to inch closer to the top four. However, the bookmakers have backed the hosts as the favorites in this encounter based on recent form and the home and away records of both teams. Considering all aspects, Cruz Azul have the upper hand in this encounter.

There is a lot of history between these two giant clubs, who have clashed 27 times since 2010. Cruz Azul have the better record, with ten wins under their belt, while Chivas have emerged victorious on seven occasions. The remaining ten matches have ended in draws.

When these two sides last met, there was late drama at Estadio Akron during the Apertura 2023 season. The game was heading for a goalless draw before Jonathan Padilla scored the winning goal in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time to hand Chivas the win.

Cruz Azul last hosted Chivas in Liga MX during the Apertura 2022 season. That game also included a dramatic moment in the final few minutes. Uriel Antuna scored the opener for the hosts before Sergio Flores equalized. Michael Estrada scored the winner in the 93rd minute.

Crucial for Cruz Azul to Bounce Back With a Win

Looking at the Clausura 2024 table, it is safe to assume that eight teams will fight for four playoff spots. The other four teams will have to settle for a play-in spot and take the longer route to reach the playoffs eventually.

Cruz Azul are currently level on points with table-toppers Monterrey. However, only four points separate them and ninth-placed Necaxa. A couple of bad results can topple any team at the top, and Cruz Azul have already suffered a defeat in their last match.

To maintain the momentum and retain a valuable playoff spot, the nine-time champions must win against Chivas.

The Hosts Will Aim to Extend Winning Streak at Home

After losing against Pachuca at home in their first match of the current Clausura season, Cruz Azul have won all four home games that followed.

The club has already beaten Mazatlan, Tijuana, San Luis, and Tigres in their backyard. A win against Chivas will extend this splendid run to five games.

Big Blow in the Attacking Department Not Slowing Cruz Azul Down

New signing Gabriel Fernandez could be out for the rest of the season after rupturing a ligament in his knee almost three weeks ago.

However, the other strikers have not let the team feel the absence of Fernandez. Uriel Antuna and Angel Sepulveda will pose the biggest threat up front.

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Chivas Guadalajara May Settle for a Play-In Spot

Chivas is part of the traditional big four of Mexico, but that may not be enough for the team to secure a top-four finish this season. The team has shown fighting spirit but has won only four of their nine league games.

The win against Pumas must have helped Chivas raise the spirits of the squad after they were left without a win in the two games before that. However, a tough meeting with a high-flying Cruz Azul side awaits next, and a loss could drop the visitors further down the table.

Eventually, Chivas may give up on the top-four pursuit and try to get a higher play-in spot, taking the longer route to the playoffs this season.

The Away Record Does Not Look Good

In the Apertura 2023 season, Chivas finished with just three wins in eight away games. This season, the club has registered just one win in five away games so far.

They have drawn two and lost as many. Facing Cruz Azul with a subpar away record spells trouble, and playing at the Azteca is always tricky for Chivas.

New Winger Finally Off the Mark

Chivas signed Cade Cowell from MLS side San Jose in January to spruce up their attack. However, the young winger fired blanks for six games.

Cowell finally found the back of the net when Chivas beat Pumas last weekend. The 20-year-old also bagged a brace in the CONCACAF Champions Cup fixture against Forge FC three weeks ago.