Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM Liga MX CL 18 – Preview, Prediction, March 17, 2018

Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul vs Jaguares 2013 Source: The Stadium Guide

This Saturday, March 17, 2018 (4:00 PM Pacific) Cruz Azul will host Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Azul for a game in the 12th round of matches in the Liga MX Clausura 2018. Both teams have a bit of a rivalry since they are among the “Big Four” in the Liga MX and are both from Mexico City.

Cruz Azul has had a disastrous season under new manager Pedro Caixinha and is unlikely to make the playoffs at this point of the season. Los Cementeros are currently in 14th place with 11 points but are coming from an impressive 5-0 win against Pachuca. That win was easily the best performance by La Maquina this season as the team had scored just eight goals before that demolition of Los Tuzos.

Pedro Caixinha does have a solid squad, especially offensively with players like Felipe Mora, Edgar Mendez, and Angel Mena. One of the bigger signings for this Clausura 2018, Walter Montoya, had been very disappointing but did manage to score his first of the season in that win against Pachuca. The Mexico City team’s defense is not the best, which could mean trouble in this encounter.

Pumas UNAM has been declining since Week 7 after a very strong start to the tournament. Los Felinos have not won in their last five games and have inclusively failed to score more than a goal in a game during this dry spell. David Patiño has shown his inexperience as a manager with certain tactics and decisions during this decline but the team has also failed to perform well.

The defense is the most worrying component of the team with inexperienced players like Luis Quintana and Alan Mozo currently comprising it. The offense has more than enough firepower to cause some damage to players like Matias Alustiza and Nicolas Castillo but it has not scored in Pumas’ past two games. The team is clearly at a low point this season and this will be a very tough game against a rival away from home.

Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM Prediction

The game will be between two teams that should be in the mix for a playoff spot but are currently having disappointing campaigns. FutnSoccer predicts a 2-2 draw as both teams are currently struggling defensively and there is potential for a lot of goals in this clash.

How to Watch Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM

The Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM match will be broadcast this Saturday, March 17 at 4:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)