This Saturday, January 6, 2018 (5:06 PM Pacific) Pachuca will host Pumas UNAM at the Estadio Hidalgo for a game in the first round of the Liga MX Clausura 2018. Both teams were disappointing in the Apertura 2017 but will be looking to turn things around in 2018 and potentially push for a playoff spot in this Clausura 2018.
Pachuca had a very busy transfer window particularly in the international market and is going into this new year with an intriguing squad. Los Tuzos added veteran Christian Gimenez, Argentine forward Sebastian Palacios, Gambian forward Kekuta Manneh, Colombian defender Dairon Mosquera and Paraguayan striker Walter Gonzalez. There were a couple notable departures from Diego Alonso’s squad that include Chilean forward Edson Puch and Uruguayan winger Jonathan Urretaviscaya.
Of course, 45-year-old goalkeeper Oscar Perez announced he would be back to defend Pachuca’s net for at least until the end of the season. The team has had a good enough squad to compete over the past couple of tournaments but failed to make the playoffs in 2017. Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda has been improving and now seems comfortable with the league. Pachuca should be able to defeat a team like Pumas UNAM but the Mexico City side could put up a decent fight.
Pumas UNAM had a very rough 2017 as it finished 17th in the Clausura 2017 and dead last in the Apertura 2017. Los Felinos did add three big players this offseason, Colombian winger Yuber Asprilla, Spanish centre-back Alejandro Arribas and Argentine striker, Matias Alustiza. The most noticeable signing is Alustiza as he can prove to be a great compliment to Chilean striker Nicolas Castillo in the attack.
David Patino’s team also got Mexican defender Luis Fuentes back from a loan with Monterrey and he should help Pumas’ struggling back line that allowed 25 goals in the Apertura 2017. The only departure has been Uruguayan defender Gerardo Alcoba but Arribas should be a suitable replacement for him. The game should be a hard-fought match between two teams that are looking to come back strong after a disappointing 2017 in the Liga MX.
How to Watch Pachuca vs Pumas UNAM
The Pachuca vs Pumas UNAM match will be broadcast this Saturday, January 6 at 5:06 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
