Santos Laguna vs. CF Monterrey Odds, Prediction, Picks

WSN

21 January 2024

Santos Laguna vs. CF Monterrey Odds, Prediction, Picks

Santos Laguna vs. CF Monterrey Predictions

Santos Laguna were among the favorites to secure direct playoff qualification in the Apertura 2023 season. However, the club could only nab a play-in spot. They defeated Mazatlan FC in the first knockout encounter and were only a step away from the playoffs when Club Leon edged past and eliminated Santos. In the first game of the season, Santos wanted to win but ended up with a tie against Chivas at the last minute, so they didn't get the victory they were hoping for.

CF Monterrey were among the title contenders last season, and the shock defeat against Atletico de San Luis in the Apertura 2023 playoff quarterfinals crushed their spirits. However, the club is aiming to turn the page and write a new chapter and it has started well with a sublime 2-0 win against Puebla in the first matchweek. The win set the team’s tempo for the season and also ended their three-game winless run in Liga MX.

Santos Laguna looked sharp in the match against Chivas, while Monterrey were dominant and clinical against Puebla. Santos will have a home advantage that tips the scale slightly in their favor. However, the overall performance and desire of Monterrey will outweigh that advantage and give the visitors their second win this season.

There is a lot of history between these two clubs, who have met 47 times across multiple competitions since 2010. The head-to-head record is almost equally balanced. Monterrey have 18 wins, while Santos have clinched victory on 15 occasions. The other 14 games have ended in draws.

In the Apertura 2023 season, Maximiliano Meza, German Berterame, and Cesar Garza found the back of the net at Estadio BBVA as the hosts dismantled a helpless Santos side. In the last Clausura season, these two clubs met in the playoffs. A goalless draw in Santos’ backyard and a win at home for Monterrey gave the five-time Liga MX champions an aggregate 2-0 win.

The last time these two sides met at Estadio Corona, Santos Laguna emerged victorious in a seven-goal thriller. Rogelio Funes Mori bagged a brace, and Rodrigo Aguirre scored for Monterrey, while Fernando Gorriaran, Felix Torres, Harold Preciado, and Brian Lozan found the back of the net for Santos.

Santos Laguna Will Aim To Extend Prolific Record

When Monterrey defeated Santos in their own backyard in the Apertura 2021 season, the visitors ended a five-game winless run at the venue in regular season games. Apart from that win, Estadio Corona has not been a happy hunting ground for Monterrey in Liga MX.

In the last 12 regular season game visits to the venue, Monterrey have won just twice. Before the Apertura 2021 season, they won the Clausura 2016 season. Meanwhile, Santos have won eight times, and the other two games have ended in draws.

Despite their recent form, Santos will be eager to make life difficult for Monterrey at Estadio Corona in the upcoming match.

New Signing Has Made An Instant Impact

Juan Brunetta’s move to Tigres UANL this season will certainly hurt Santos. He was their leading goal scorer last season. To replace the midfielder, Santos recruited Franco Fagundez from Uruguayan club Nacional.

On his debut against Chivas, the 23-year-old provided an assist for Santos’ only goal of the match, which was scored by Preciado. If Fagundez maintains consistency, Santos may not miss Bruntetta in the middle third.

A Couple Of Injury Concerns For The Hosts

Santos Laguna could be without the services of midfielder Brian Lozano and defender Hugo Rodriguez in the next match.

Lozano is expected to be back in the matchday squad in March, while Rodriguez could be back in a week or two.

CF Monterrey Have Their Eyes On The Title

After suffering a shock defeat in the playoff quarterfinals last season, Monterrey will be hungrier than ever for glory in this Clausura campaign. The five-time Liga MX winners will be eager to match the title tally of their next opponents at the end of the Clausura 2024 season.

Monterrey lost just four out of 17 games in the regular season in their Apertura 2023 voyage. They were strong at home and lost just two out of eight games. On the road, the club was a tad vulnerable and ended up winning only four out of nine away matches.

Head coach Fernando Ortiz will expect more from his players, and a reflection of their desire was evident in the first game of the season.

Crucial Reinforcements In Two Departments

In the transfer window, Monterrey has made two key signings. The club has reeled in midfielder Jorge Rodriguez from Argentinian club Estudiantes and signed striker Brandon Vasquez from MLS 2023 Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.

Rodriguez was a key figure in Estudiantes’ midfield last season, while Vasquez bagged eight goals and two assists for his former club. The duo is expected to bring a lot of quality in the middle and final thirds.

The Visitors Could Be Without Their Trio

Jesus Gallardo, Jesus Corona, and Sergio Canales are all doubtful ahead of the game against Santos.

Left-back Gallardo and winger Corona are recovering from respective knee injuries, while a thigh injury could keep Canales on the sidelines for a week.