FC Juarez vs CF Pachuca Odds, Prediction, Picks
Juarez vs Pachuca Prediction
Juarez will be keen on returning to winning ways at home after a poor outing against CF Monterrey, which saw them lose 3-1. Coach Diego Meija fielded a 5-3-2 combination in the last fixture, and they were outplayed, creating fewer chances and failing to control the possession. Maximiliano Meza broke the deadlock from the spot in the sixth minute for CF Monterrey, while Rogelio Mori bagged a brace with a goal in either half. Avilez Hurtado scored the consolation goal for Juarez in the 52nd minute.
Meanwhile, Pachuca will be a tad pleased after holding Tigres UANL to a 1-1 draw at home. Andre-Pierre Gignac put the defending Clausura champions ahead from the spot in the eighth minute, just 12 minutes before Bryan Gonzalez restored parity. Pachuca saw little of the ball but created multiple chances. However, the failure to be clinical in the final third meant that the chances were spurned before both sides settled for a hard-earned point towards the business end of the campaign.
FC Juarez will be the favorites to win this match. Pachuca may be the 2022 Apertura winners, but they have not played like champions since then.
FC Juarez and CF Pachuca have faced off seven times in Liga MX since their first meeting in 2019. Their rivalry has been neck and neck as both clubs have won two matches each while their three games ended in a draw.
In their previous meeting, the two clubs faced off in the Liga MX Clausura. Hosts Pachuca featured with a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Juarez deployed a 4-1-4-1 combination. The hosts converted four of their five shots on target to register a thumping 4-1 victory.
Alejandro Arribas (28’) netted an own goal to put Pachuca in the front while Mauricio Isias (54’), Jose Castillo (76’), and Roberto de la Rosa (82’) netted one goal each in the second half to put the match to bed. Meanwhile, Dario Lezcano (47’) scored the consolation for Juarez.
Juarez has a decent record at home and will be looking to defend their fortress. They have registered two wins, as many draws, and one loss at home. However, Pachuca will have their task cut out as they have registered three losses and two draws in their last five matches.
Juarez Have a Top Five Finish in Their Crosshairs
The hosts will target the top five spot in the upcoming fixture and will be the favorites to seal the victory. Juarez has currently accumulated 15 points from 11 matches, but a win will help them register three points to join Toluca and Guadalajara with 18 points in 12 fixtures.
In the process, they will also look to overcome their poor performances in the last three matches. Juarez lost to Atlas 1-2 at home, 1-5 to Club Tijuana away, and 1-3 to Monterrey in their last three games.
Hosts Will Certainly Bank On Their Talisman
The hosts will bank on their prolific talisman, Aviles Hurtado, to clinch all three points in the contest. The winger has looked in top form in front of goals, scoring five and assisting twice in 10 appearances.
Hurtado will also have support from Aitor Garcia, who has netted thrice in 11 matches, and forward Amaury Escoto, with two goals in 10 appearances.
The Club Will Be Without Midfielder
A little over a week ago, Javier Salas joined the short-injury list at FC Juarez. A shoulder injury will keep the midfielder away from the pitch for a week or two.
The other two names on the list include Manuel Castro and Oscar Ortega. The duo has been out for a long time.
Pachuca Look to Snap Four-Match Winless Run
CF Pachuca will be the underdogs in the upcoming fixture. However, they will have a chance to snap their four-match winless run. In September, the club registered their last win against a 10-man Santos Laguna side.
Since then, the visitors have registered a goalless draw against Guadalajara, 1-1 draws against Necaxa and Tigres UANL while registering a 0-4 loss to Club America. Almada will look to guide his club to their first win in five matches.
Visitors to Miss Out Young Attacking Midfielder
Pachuca will be without the services of Owen Gonzalez, who has made four appearances in the current Apertura season. The attacking midfielder sustained a knee injury earlier in October.
The club will also be without the services of Israel Luna. The 20-year-old is expected to be out of action until February 2024.
Gonzalez–Hernandez Key for Pachuca
Mexican midfielder Bryan Gonzalez and forward Illian Hernandez will be the key for Pachuca against Juarez.
Gonzalez has been the leading goal scorer for Pachuca, netting thrice in six appearances in the ongoing Apertura, while Hernandez has scored twice in ten matches.
