FC Juarez vs CD Guadalajara Prediction, Picks, Best Bets

FC Juarez vs CD Guadalajara Predictions

Only three points separated FC Juarez and CD Guadalajara at the end of the Apertura 2022 league phase. CD Guadalajara finished ninth with 22 points, while FC Juarez finished 11th with 19 points.

Both sides advanced to the playoffs, and both were eliminated in the Round of 16 phase itself. FC Juarez went down against Toluca and CD Guadalajara were eliminated by Club Puebla. As of now, at this early stage, only a point separates the two sides.

One of the few aspects that swings the momentum in favor of the visitors is their stellar head-to-head record in this fixture. It will be a tight game, but it seems CD Guadalajara will have enough firepower to edge past FC Juarez.

In Liga MX, the two sides have met seven times, but across all competitions, FC Juarez and CD Guadalajara have gone toe-to-toe on 12 occasions. Five of these encounters came in the Copa MX. Eight games were won by CD Guadalajara and only two went in favor of FC Juarez.

In the reverse fixture during the Apertura 2022 season, both sides were involved in a goalless draw. FC Juarez goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera produced some fine saves to secure a point for his side as CD Guadalajara huffed and puffed but could not make anything happen.

In the corresponding fixture during Clausura 2022, ten men of CD Guadalajara clinched all three points with an assertive 3-1 victory over FC Juarez. CD Guadalajara have never dropped a single point at the Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez.

Despite securing a playoff spot in the Apertura season, FC Juarez had the joint-fewest victories in the league phase. The side only won four out of their 17 games all season. Seven games ended in a stalemate with five of those coming in their own backyard.

During the entire Apertura season, FC Juarez registered just two victories in nine attempts at home. On the road, they secured two wins in eight games. However, for a side that intends to clinch a playoff spot and advance further in the playoffs, this record is not good enough.

This time around, in the first three games, FC Juarez have scored five goals. Despite scoring a decent amount of goals, they have suffered two defeats and won only one game so far. Manager Hernan Cristante will be eager to turn goals into wins but it will be difficult to do that against a side that has always enjoyed playing against FC Juarez.

New Signings Injured  

In an effort to strengthen the service down the flank, FC Juarez had roped in winger Manuel Castro on a free transfer from Estudiantes in December 2022. The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury in training and could not even make his debut for his new club.

According to reports, the Uruguayan will be out till April 2023. He joins Emiliano Velazquez on the sidelines. Velazquez joined the club in July 2022, made nine appearances for the club before he suffered a broken leg.

That is two signings for two phases of the Liga MX season that have not worked out well for FC Juarez. They will be relying on their existing and fit set of players for at least a couple more months.

Fernandez off to a Poor Start  

Gabriel Fernandez finished as FC Juarez’s top scorer in the Apertura season after scoring six goals. He also contributed to his team by adding an assist to his tally. However, this season, the Celta Vigo loanee has gotten off to a poor start.

Ten minutes after nabbing his first assist of the new campaign in the opening game against Pumas UNAM, Fernandez was shown a yellow card due to his reaction, the referee instantly flashed a second yellow and sent Fernandez off.

After serving his suspension, Fernandez returned to the side last week. Throughout the entire game, the striker could attempt just one shot, which was off-target.

Focus on Extending the Streak for CD Guadalajara  

CD Guadalajara have never dropped a single point at the Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez in Liga MX. Three encounters have taken place so far at the venue and on every occasion, CD Guadalajara have scored two or more goals.

In the upcoming fourth encounter, it will be crucial for CD Guadalajara to claim all three points and leap toward the top end of the table. To make things even better, they have a chance to do that in a stadium that has been a happy hunting ground for them.

The target this season will certainly be playoffs, despite the club being the second most successful club in Liga MX, just behind Club America, with 12 titles. Ever since 2017, the club has not laid its hands on the title.

Utilizing Victor Guzman  

In an effort to bolster their midfield, CD Guadalajara have brought in reinforcements in the form of Victor Guzman. After making almost 250 appearances for Pachuca and scoring over 50 goals for the club, Guzman has arrived in Guadalajara for a new challenge.

The midfielder lasted on the pitch for an hour before he was substituted. CD Guadalajara ended up losing that game 2-1 to Toluca. Only one out of the five crosses whipped in by the midfielder were accurate, as he played just five passes into the final third.

The Mexican did not win any of the ground or aerial duels he was involved in, which is probably why he was replaced at the hour mark.

Vega Still Doubtful

Alexis Vega scored three goals and provided four assists in the Apertura 2022 season. The winger has been influential for the side throughout the Apertura campaign and it looked like he had carried the form into the Clausura season too.

In the opening game of the season, Vega scored the only goal of the match against CF Monterrey, which handed his side a spectacular victory before putting in a subpar performance in the second match.

A few days later, it was confirmed that the winger had suffered an ACL injury and was ruled out for a lengthy period. CD Guadalajara will definitely feel his absence on the flank.