CF Monterrey vs. Queretaro FC Odds: Monterrey Aiming for a Top Three Finish

• CF Monterrey have picked up all available points from their opening two games of the Clausura 2024 season while keeping two clean sheets 

• Queretaro FC are yet to register a win in the Clausura 2024 after drawing their opening game of the season and losing the second

• When these two sides met in the Apertura 2023 season, Monterrey were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Estadio La Corregidora

CF Monterrey vs. Queretaro FC Odds

Odds taken from BetMGM Sportsbook. Bet $5, get $158 in Bonus Bets with our code WSNMGM.

CF Monterrey vs. Queretaro FC Pick

• Our Pick: CF Monterrey to win.

CF Monterrey vs. Queretaro FC Predictions

Monterrey will be pleased with the start they have made this season. In both games, their attack was clinical, and the defense was astute. Both strikers, Arturo Gonzalez and German Berterame are off the mark, and even the wingers, Maximiliano Meza and Jordi Cortizo, have scored a goal each. Ensuring a shutout in both matches has also highlighted the increased defensive prowess of a Monterrey side that will be chasing the title again this season.

The Clausura 2024 calendar has given Queretaro FC one of the toughest starts to a new season. The struggling club started the campaign with a 2-2 draw against Toluca before losing their second league encounter against Club America. Toluca are also struggling, and Queretaro were on the brink of victory when the ten-time Liga MX champions scored a 96th-minute equalizer. After facing Monterrey, Queretaro will host Tigres UANL on Sunday. 

In this fixture, Monterrey are favorites to win. The bookmakers have backed the five-time Liga MX champions because of their recent form and also because there is little to no room for a Queretaro recovery on enemy territory. The hosts are expected to be clinical and clinch their third successive win, and they may also keep another clean sheet.

Previous Meetings

This will be the 28th Liga MX encounter between Monterrey and Queretaro. The former dominates this fixture and has registered 15 wins. Meanwhile, the struggling Queretaro side has conjured up six wins, with the other six ending in draws.

One of those draws came in the Apertura 2023 season in Queretaro’s backyard. The visitors dominated possession and attempted more shots, even hitting the woodwork once. But Monterrey could not find a way past and had to settle for a solitary point.

The last time Monterrey played hosts to Queretaro, the hosts took all three points with a comfortable 2-0 win in the Clausura 2023 season. Rogelio Funes Mori and Arturo Gonzalez were on the scoresheet in that match.

CF Monterrey Will Aim for a Top Three Finish

Monterrey have reached the Liga MX Liguilla finals on 11 occasions. However, they have won the title just five times, losing on the other six occasions. In the Apertura 2023 campaign, Monterrey suffered a shock defeat in the quarterfinals against Atletico de San Luis.

This season, the club’s target remains the same – to clinch their sixth Liga MX title. Head coach Fernando Ortiz is wary of the fact that his side will need to improve a lot to match the level of the defending champions Club America and arch-rivals Tigres UANL.

The first step to this progress will be not to drop points against weaker sides. Monterrey have already beaten two strong teams in Puebla and Santos. Now, against Queretaro, only complacency can cause problems.

Key Midfielder Could Miss the Match

Monterrey’s midfield received a massive boost when Jorge Rodriguez joined from Estudiantes. The Argentine marked his debut with a splendid assist playing alongside Omar Govea.

Spectators could see the same midfield partnership in the next match, as Luis Romo is doubtful because of a muscle injury. Romo also registered an assist in his first game of the new season.

Monterrey Faithful Eager to See More of New Striker

After returning from Santos Laguna with all three points, Monterrey will play in front of their home fans against Queretaro, and the fans would love to see more of Brandon Vazquez.

Signed from MLS side FC Cincinnati, Vazquez made his debut as a substitute in the last match. It will be interesting to see if the 25-year-old gets to start against Queretaro.

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Queretaro FC Needs a Squad Overhaul for Recovery

The Liga MX title is a far-fetched dream for a side like Queretaro. Unable to maintain consistency, the side has inadvertently kept its distance from the playoffs in recent seasons. That situation cannot change unless there is a proper overhaul in the dressing room.

The club has brought five new faces into the squad and lost one player. However, that one player was Jose Zuniga, Queretaro’s top-scorer last season. The club lost Angel Sepulveda to Cruz Azul in August 2023 and lost his replacement earlier this month.

Now the goalscoring onus is on the two on-loan strikers – Facundo Batista and Rubio Rubin. The former has started both games but failed to score, while the latter has made two substitute appearances and got just seven minutes on the pitch in each game.

The Last Play-In Spot Would Be an Ideal Target

Queretaro are not in the title race this season, but depending on multiple aspects and thanks to the increased number of play-in spots, clinching the last play-in spot could be a possibility.

Last season, Mazatlan were able to finish tenth. If Queretaro are able to perform slightly better than a few underperforming clubs, they could nab 12th place.

Better on the Road, But Not Against Monterrey

In the Apertura 2023 campaign, Queretaro picked up more points on the road than at home. This will give the team a psychological advantage before away games this season.

However, Estadio BBVA has not been a happy hunting ground for Queretaro. In the last 13 matches in Monterrey’s backyard, Queretaro have lost 11, drawn one, and won just once.

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How to Watch CF Monterrey vs. Queretaro FC

• Teams: CF Monterrey vs Queretaro FC

• Location: Estadio BBVA

• Time: Wednesday, January 24 at 8:00 pm ET

• How to Watch: Univision, Telemundo, Fox Sports, ESPN, Vix and Sling TV