In one of the biggest mismatches of this week 8 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017, Toluca will host Puebla at the Estadio Nemesio Diez this Sunday, February 26, 2017 (10:00 AM Pacific). Toluca is of course in first place, while Puebla is 17th which presents the home side as the heavy favorites for this match.
Toluca has been the best team of the Clausura 2017 so far, getting five wins, one draw and only one loss in seven weeks of play. Toluca is coming off three straight victories in the competition, two out of the three coming away from home. Hernan Cristante’s offense has not been overly impressive in the competition, scoring 10 goals, but his defense has been spectacular, only allowing one goal in the last four matches.
The veteran heavy defense made up of Paulo Da Silva, Osvaldo Gonzalez, Efrain Velarde and Rodrigo Salinas has been great for the ‘diablos’ in this tournament. Of course, Alfredo Talavera has also been a figure for Hernan Cristante, providing 15 saves on the Clausura. In terms of offense Toluca’s main figure has been Fernando Uribe providing three goals and two assists in six games.
Pablo Barrientos is also an interesting player to watch in this game, having scored against Morelia in week 7 of the tournament. The Argentine midfielder does generate plenty of attack for Toluca providing two goals and an assist on the Clausura. The ‘diablos’ are certainly the favorites heading into the match and should not struggle against Puebla in this match.
Jose Cardozo will be back at the Nemesio Diez this Sunday to face the team where he played and managed. It will certainly be interesting to see how the fans react to the club legend at the Nemesio Diez. ‘Pepe’ has been doing a fine job with his new team, Puebla leading the team to five points out of nine in three games.
Puebla has only allowed a goal since Jose Cardozo took over, which is impressive considering that before his arrival, Puebla had conceded 12 goals. Veteran, Edgar Duenas has really solidified the defense, getting more playing time after Cardozo’s takeover of the club. Offensively Puebla has also looked solid, with Francisco Acuna and Cristian Esparza providing a lot of options going forward.
Alexis Canelo has been the most impressive player of the tournament for Puebla scoring three goals. The Argentine forward has not scored since the week 2 match-up against Club Tijuana, but has been crucial to the attack, generating three assists as well. Canelo can be a clinical finisher, but his passing ability is also superb, and may cause problems in this game. The ‘camoteros’ led by Jose Cardozo should be able to cause problems in this game for a rigid Toluca side.
How to Watch Toluca vs Puebla
The Toluca vs Puebla match will be broadcast this Sunday, February 26 at 10:00 AM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free), Fubo TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
