Club Necaxa vs. Pachuca CF Prediction: Bryan Gonzalez to Steal the Spotlight

• Club Necaxa kept their incredible unbeaten run in the Clausura 2024 season alive after stunning Chivas Guadalajara 1-0 earlier this week 

• Pachuca CF nabbed their sixth win in eight games earlier this week after the side thrashed Puebla 4-1 in their own backyard

• Estadio Hidalgo hosted this fixture in the Apertura 2023 season, and both clubs shared the points following a 1-1 draw

Club Necaxa vs. Pachuca CF Odds

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Club Necaxa vs. Pachuca CF Pick

• OUR PICK: Pachuca CF to win.

Club Necaxa vs. Pachuca CF Predictions

After drawing five and winning three of their first eight games of the season, Necaxa are one of the last two unbeaten sides of the league so far. The club started the campaign with back-to-back wins over Atlas FC and Puebla. After that, they held Club America, Pumas UNAM, FC Juarez, Toluca, and Queretaro to a draw. After five consecutive stalemates, experts expected the club to lose their first game of the season earlier this week against Chivas Guadalajara. However, Necaxa showed resilience and ended their stalemate streak with a narrow 1-0 win over the 12-time Liga MX champions.

Speaking of their next opponents, it is safe to say that Pachuca have finally bounced back and established themselves as title contenders this season. After their title-winning run during the Apertura 2022 season, the club experienced a massive slump in form and even failed to reach the playoffs last season. However, after winning six of their eight league games, the seven-time Liga MX champions are sitting close to the summit. After beating Club America last weekend and easing past Puebla earlier this week, Pachuca are ready to take on Necaxa.

Despite looking at the rampant run of Pachuca, the bookmakers have only backed them with a win probability of around 44 percent. This is because of the shocking outcomes Necaxa have produced so far. Additionally, Necaxa will have the home advantage. However, Pachuca’s attack is prolific and fully capable of ending the host’s unbeaten run this campaign.

Previous Meetings

Since 2010, these two teams have locked horns on 18 occasions in Liga MX. Pachuca have emerged victorious in seven encounters, while Necaxa have pocketed a win in four games. Seven matches between these two clubs have ended in draws, with the last one coming in the previous fixture during the Apertura 2023 season.

Bryan Gonzalez scored the opening goal of that game in the 13th minute before Fernando Arce restored parity seven minutes later. There were many opportunities for more goals, but neither side could convert the chances. Pachuca finished the game with ten men after Byron Castillo was shown a second yellow in the 84th minute.

The last time Necaxa hosted Pachuca, it was also the last time they beat them. In the Apertura 2022 season, goals from Bryan Garnica and Milton Gimenez gave the hosts a comfortable 2-0 win over Pachuca. Later that season, Necaxa finished 12th, and Pachuca went on to win their seventh Liga MX title.

Club Necaxa Were Dominated But Not Defeated   

The statistics from the match between Necaxa and Chivas show how the latter dominated the game. Chivas had 72 percent ball possession, completed more than thrice the number of passes made by Necaxa, and attempted more shots.

However, only one shot went on target and made the keeper work. Apart from that, the Necaxa defense was staunch and made almost 40 well-timed clearances. The defense must remain astute to keep the dangerous Pachuca attackers at bay.

Young Striker Making The Biggest Contribution  

While Diber Cambindo is enjoying his loan spell with Necaxa, Ricardo Monreal has assumed the responsibility for creating chances.

The 23-year-old attacker has registered five assists and scored one goal in eight appearances. Four of those assists have come in the last five matches. Monreal will be hungry for another contribution in the game against Pachuca.

The Hosts Will Try To Protect Their Home Record  

Necaxa have not lost any of their last six home games in Liga MX. Their last defeat in the league came in October against Puebla.

Since then, the club has won four matches and drawn two. A positive result against Pachuca would help Necaxa extend their unbeaten home streak to seven games, while their overall unbeaten run would stretch to 11 matches.

Pachuca CF Must Not Get Way Ahead Of Themselves   

The club and fans of Pachuca were desperately waiting for the resurgence of their club. The signs are positive so far and it seems safe to say that Pachuca have established themselves as strong title contenders in this Clausura 2024 season.

However, the team must not aim for the title at this stage. For now, Coach Guillermo Almada’s focus will only be on the regular season. A game-by-game approach will help Pachuca secure a precious playoff spot, and then they can shift their focus to the title. 

The Defense Needs A Lot Of Work  

Pachuca are scoring goals for fun, and their 2.5 goals-per-match average is currently the best in the Clausura 2024 season. On the other end, the performance is not up to par.

The club’s goal concession rate is quite high, and no other team in the top ten has conceded more goals than Pachuca. Currently, the club is relying entirely on outscoring their opponents. 

Moroccan Winger Will Be A Key Contributor For The Visitors

Jose Salomon Rondon, Erick Sanchez, and Alan Bautista have shared the goal-scoring responsibility. Each player has scored four goals.

Meanwhile, from the flank, Oussama Idrissi has become a pivotal player for Pachuca. The Moroccan has provided six assists and scored three goals in eight matches. Idrissi will pose a big threat to the Necaxa defense in the upcoming match.

How to watch Club Necaxa vs. Pachuca CF

• Teams: Club Necaxa vs. Pachuca CF

• Location: Estadio Victoria

• Time: Friday, February 23 at 9:00 pm ET

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

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