Club America vs Pumas UNAM Predictions: Mexican Top-Tier Rivalry

• Club America are currently ranked second in the 2023 Apertura table after collecting 18 points from nine games
• Pumas UNAM are ranked sixth in the table and are just three points behind their rivals 
• The previous Clasico Capitalino ended in a 1-1 draw during the 2023 Clausura season

Club America vs Pumas UNAM

Odds taken from Betway.

Club America vs Pumas UNAM Picks

• Our Pick: Club America to win.

Club America vs Pumas UNAM Prediction 

Club America will head into the derby as the outright favorites to win. But the odds might be just numbers, as both teams will look to play their hearts out in this Mexican top-tier rivalry.

Club America will be high on confidence after defeating rivals Chivas Guadalajara 4-0 in the last home fixture. The Andre Jardine-managed side enjoyed the majority of the possession and made it count. Alejandro Zendejas and Brian Rodriguez got on the scoresheet as Diego Contreras bagged a brace. To sum up, a perfect evening for the hosts.

Their opponent, Pumas UNAM, also displayed a fine performance in their last away fixture against Puebla. Mexican forward Cesar Huerta converted twice from the spot to seal all three points for the visitors.

Previous Meetings

Club America and Pumas UNAM share a rich rivalry in Liga MX. The two clubs have clashed 136 times in the league. Club America has the better record with 54 wins, while Pumas have only won 34 games. The remaining 50 encounters have ended in a stalemate.

In their previous meeting, the clubs played out a 1-1 draw in the Liga MX Clausura fixture that took place in April. An own goal from Club America defender Nestor Araujo put the Pumas in front after a cagey battle in the first half. But it took the hosts minutes to equalize as their talisman, Henry Martin, converted from the spot.

Club America will look to hold their fortress as they have secured three wins and two draws in their five home fixtures, while the Pumas have won twice, lost as many, and drawn once in their last five away matches.

Club America Want The Summit Seat

Club America is chasing league leader San Luis. They are separated by only one point after nine appearances and any slip-up from San Luis will hand Club America a huge opportunity to take the pole position in the current Apertura season.

Following their Round of 16 exit from the 2023 League Cup, Club America are unbeaten in the last seven games. This run has seen them register draws against Atlas, Leon, and Toluca, while nabbing wins against Necaxa, Cruz Azul, Chivas Guadalajara, and Queretaro FC.

Club America Banking On Talismanic Duo

The hosts will rely on the talismanic duo of Diego Valdes and Julian Quinones to sail them through the derby. The attacking midfielder has been their leading goal scorer in the Apertura season, as he has netted five times in nine appearances, while their new center forward has hit the back of the net four times in eight matches.

The duo has been among the most valuable players on the team, as Valdes has also assisted twice and Quinones has netted three goals. Apart from the duo, Rodriguez has made his presence known with four goals, while Leonardo Suarez has assisted twice.

Caceres Doubtful For Derby 

Club America is likely to be without the services of their premier center-back, Sebastian Caceres, in the much-awaited fixture. The Uruguayan international has been out of action since mid-September due to a muscle injury but is expected to be back soon.

Meanwhile, Mexican center backs Nestor Araujo (knee injury) and Israel Reyes (hamstring injury) will continue to miss out due to their respective injuries. Araujo is expected to return in five months, while Reyes could be back in action next month.

Pumas UNAM Eyeing A Strong Finish 

Pumas UNAM will have their task cut out against Club America in the derby. But if the Pumas manage to clinch victory, it will take them to the third spot in Liga MX Apertura, leapfrogging Tigres UANL.

The Pumas have clinched victories against league leaders San Luis and Puebla in their last two fixtures. They will fancy their chances to win a third match on the trot against their arch-rivals.

Huerta Key For The Pumas 

Mexican midfielder Cesar Huerta will be a key figure in the Pumas setup. The 22-year-old has been clinical in his display, as he has netted five times in nine appearances and assisted once.

The club will also expect his Argentine teammate Juan Dineno, who has netted thrice, to bring his scoring boots to the fixture.

Pumas Will Look To Play Attacking Football

Pumas head coach Antonio Mohamed is known for his attacking philosophy. They will look to attack through the wings and the current line-up provides a structure to do that.

The club has primarily attacked through their left back, with their right back tucking in and will be expected to follow a similar approach against Club America.

How To Watch Club America vs Pumas UNAM

• Teams: Club America vs Pumas UNAM
• Location: Aztec Stadium 
• Time: Saturday, September 30 at 08:40 pm ET
• How To Watch: Univision, Telemundo, Fox Sports, ESPN, Vix and Sling TV