Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey Prediction: Marque Matchup in Round 14 of the Clausura

Saturday night will see Cruz Azul host Monterrey at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in the weekend's marquee matchup. Currently, Monterrey holds a five-point advantage over their counterparts, in a two-way tie with Club America for first place. In their previous 36 battles, Cruz Azul holds the advantage winning on 13 occasions while sharing the points 13 times.

Cruz Azul currently sits in fifth place with 23 points in the Clausura, coming off a scoreless draw last weekend to Pumas. Their result happened to be the club's sixth clean sheet of the calendar year, placing them with the second most in Liga MX.

Meanwhile, for Monterrey, the club experienced their first defeat in 2024 in all competitions, losing 2-0 to Chivas Guadalajara at home. A match then saw tempers run high in a feisty affair as they picked up two straight red cards. To add insult to injury, they conceded an own goal which helped propel Chivas escape the Estadio BBVA grabbing all three points.

Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey Betting Odds for Saturday, April 6

To collect all three points at home Saturday evening, the books have Cruz Azul as the plus money favorites at +120, Monterrey is listed at +225 and for each side to share the points is +220. Cruz Azul and Monterrey have not drawn any of their last 3 encounters against each other.

Odds from bet365 Sportsbook. Click the odds in the table below to place your bet: $1,000 Safety Net Bet or $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365

Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey Betting Prediction

Cruz Azul

The hosts in Saturday's clash will look to snap out of their mini-slump as they have only collected one victory in their last five matches. In that same span, it has not looked good for La Máquina on the scoresheet as they have been blanked on three occasions. Only once in the Clausura Cruz Azul have failed to ink a goal in back-to-back games.

Leading his side with five goals in the Clausura, Uriel Antuna has been held off the scoresheet in his last three appearances. The Mexican international is slightly over par with an xG 4.86. In his most recent outing, the forward delivered 73 minutes of play, creating the most chances in the match with four. Antuna capped off the match with two shots, both missing the target.

Monterrey

There will be no undefeated teams in the 2024 Clausura as Monterrey was the last side in Liga MX to endure a defeat in the loss column. While the Rayados have their eyes on the prize to finish first overall, they may have been caught looking ahead to this midweek action in the CONCACAF Champions Cup facing Messi and Inter Miami in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Veteran attacking midfielder Sergio Canales is looking to rebound after a poor performance last weekend which saw him get subbed off at halftime. The 33-year-old is tied with the club with five goals in the competition with two assists to his name also. Canales should have a bounce-back game contributing on attack as he’s averaging 3.35 shots per 90 with 1.16 hitting the target per 90.

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Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey - My Pick

Cruz Azul are favourites to win on Saturday due to their recent form but it is expected to be a closely contested match. Cruz Azul has not defeated Monterrey at home since March of 2021.

As previously stated, Monterrey may have been caught looking ahead in their Champions Cup Match. For the giants from the north traveling to Miami then having to play on two days rest could affect them. Squad rotation will be implemented and with a trip to the semi-finals on the line, the club's focus with a playoff spot wrapped up could see them put all their eggs in one basket for the continental tournament. Cruz Azul will be at home well-rested to potentially give Monterrey their second defeat in 2024.

• Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey pick: Cruz Azul moneyline +120 at bet365

How to Watch Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey

• When: Saturday, April 6, 11 p.m ET

• Where: Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes

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