CF Monterrey vs Nashville SC Odds: Maiden Head-to-Head Clash for the Teams

• CF Monterrey eliminated the top-seeded MLS side Los Angeles FC in the previous round
• Nashville SC demolished Minnesota United 5-0 in the 2023 Leagues Cup quarterfinals
• The two sides have never faced each other before, making this their maiden head-to-head clash in a competitive club football competition

CF Monterrey vs Nashville SC Odds

Odds taken from bet365.

CF Monterrey vs Nashville SC Pick

Pick: CF Monterrey to win 

CF Monterrey vs Nashville SC Predictions

CF Monterrey are one of the biggest and strongest clubs of Liga MX. In the previous Apertura campaign, they finished second in the table after losing just two games out of 17. In the following Clausura season, the club finished at the top of the league. However, in both phases, CF Monterrey failed to clinch their sixth Liga MX title. It has now been three years since the five-time CONCACAF Champions League winners have won a trophy, and the team is getting restless. The confidence of the Mexican side must have certainly received a massive boost after eliminating the defending MLS champions in the last round.

Standing in their way are a strong Nashville SC side, who will be a tough nut to crack. The current MLS campaign is the American club’s fourth season in the top flight. They have performed well over the years but have struggled with consistency. Nashville SC are eyeing their first trophy and have stated their intent with a commanding win in the previous round against ten-man Minnesota United. The convincing win was extremely necessary for the American outfit, as both their knockout games before the quarter-final were decided on penalties. 

This is the third edition of the Leagues Cup. Liga MX side Cruz Azul won the inaugural edition of the competition before their Mexican neighbors, Club Leon, took the title in the second edition. CF Monterrey have the opportunity to become the third Mexican top-division club to nab the trophy and ensure that Liga MX clubs dominate the tournament. However, if Nashville SC wins, then one of Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union, and Inter Miami will become the first American side to win the Leagues Cup. The odds are evenly matched, but CF Monterrey have the upper hand in this fixture.

Previous Meetings

The two strong clubs play in different domestic leagues and have not faced each other in any competitive club football competition before. However, CF Monterrey are more experienced in playing knockout football.

The Mexican club has won five Champions League titles and have won the Copa MX thrice. CF Monterrey have featured in nine knockout club competition finals and have only finished as runners-up once.

Comparatively, Nashville SC are a relatively new side and lacks experience in a tournament like the Leagues Cup. However, the team has performed at an optimal level so far, producing some excellent results to reach this stage.

CF Monterrey Confident After Massive Quarter-Final Success  

As the other top Liga MX sides were eliminated before the quarterfinals, the odds were stacked against CF Monterrey in their semi-final encounter against Los Angeles FC. This was primarily because the defending MLS champions were the top-seeded American side in the tournament.

When Los Angeles FC scored the opening goal after just two minutes, spectators expected another goal-fest. The MLS side doubled their lead just before half-time as many predicted an easy win for the MLS top seed.

However, CF Monterrey had other plans and decided to spoil the American party with a dramatic come-from-behind victory. All three goals scored by the five-time Liga MX champions were scored in the final quarter of the game, displaying the side’s hunger to win the trophy.

Midfielder Hands CF Monterrey a Boost as He Returns From Suspension  

In the game against Los Angeles FC, CF Monterrey had to play without Luis Romo because the midfielder had to serve a suspension after picking up three yellow cards in the opening four games of the competition. The 28-year-old made substitute appearances in the group stage.

Romo started against Portland Timbers in the first knockout round and in the crucial Clásico Regiomontano against Tigres UANL in the Round of 16. The midfielder assisted the only goal of the match against Portland Timbers but then picked up his third yellow card of the campaign against Tigres.

Two Goals in Two Starts for the New Signing  

CF Monterrey’s dramatic comeback against Los Angeles FC was initiated through a 68th-minute penalty. New signing Sergio Canales stepped up to take the spot-kick and buried it into the bottom-right corner.

The former Real Betis striker scored the same way on his debut in the derby against Tigres UANL. After creating the most chances in the match, the 32-year-old calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net from the spot in the 97th minute.

Nashville SC Eying a First Convincing Win Over a Mexican Side   

Despite not being among the top favorites to win the 2023 Leagues Cup, Nashville SC have reached the semifinals. The MLS side is not exactly an underdog because they have been quite decent in the domestic league for the past two seasons.

Their performance in the Leagues Cup has also been quite impressive. However, they have been quite shaky every time the club has come face-to-face with a Mexican side. Nashville SC narrowly lost a seven-goal thriller against Toluca in the group stage.

In the Round of 16, the American outfit was up against 14-time Liga MX champions Club America. The game ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time before VAR helped Nashville SC to nab a win on penalties. Against CF Monterrey, Nashville cannot afford to struggle and offer any extra room to the prolific side.

Talisman Ends Short Goal Drought With a Scintillating Performance  

Hany Mukhtar has scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 24 appearances for Nashville SC in the MLS this season. The 28-year-old started his Leagues Cup campaign with a goal against Colorado Rapids. However, he failed to make an impact in the next two games.

Against Toluca and FC Cincinnati, the attacker was extremely quiet, raising many concerns. The goal drought continued as he could only manage an assist against Club America. In the penalty shootout, Mukhtar failed to convert from the spot, putting his side in a problematic situation.

In the quarter-final encounter against Minnesota United, Mukhtar bounced and registered three assists and also scored the fifth and final goal of the match. The performance must have set the tone for the semi-final and potential final for the German.

Defender Needs to be Commanding at the Heart of the Backline

Walker Zimmerman will have to be on his toes from the first minute to keep Rogelio Funes Mori and Sergio Canales at bay. Incidentally, the defender has enjoyed playing against Mexican opponents in this season’s Leagues Cup.

Not only has the 30-year-old been astute defensively, but he has managed to get on the scoresheet against Toluca and Club America. However, maintaining that form will be the key to success for Nashville SC.

How to Watch CF Monterrey vs Nashville SC

• Teams: CF Monterrey vs Nashville SC
• Location: GEODIS Park
• Time: Tuesday, August 15 at 9:30 pm ET
• How to Watch: Apple TV, Televisa, Univision, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS