FC Juarez vs. CF Monterrey Prediction: Monterrey Favored to Continue Unbeaten Run

• FC Juarez suffered their fourth defeat of the Clausura 2024 season almost two weeks ago against Chivas Guadalajara

• CF Monterrey extended their unbeaten run in Liga MX to eight games after a goalless draw with Toluca this past weekend

• When these two teams clashed in the Aperture 2023 season, CF Monterrey eased past FC Juarez with a 3-1 scoreline at Estadio BBVA

FC Juarez vs. CF Monterrey Odds

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FC Juarez vs. CF Monterrey Pick

• OUR PICK: CF Monterrey to win.

FC Juarez vs. CF Monterrey Predictions

The loss against Chivas extended Juarez’s winless streak in Liga MX to ten games. During this run, the club has lost eight and drawn two. Their last win came in October against San Luis. That is the only victory Juarez have registered in their last 16 league games. The problems are piling up for the team, and they are sitting at the bottom of the table with just two points from six games.

Seven games into the new Clausura campaign, Monterrey are yet to lose a game. They have won four and drawn three. The five-time Liga MX champions have defeated Puebla, Santos Laguna, San Luis, and Pachuca. The stalemates have come against Queretaro, Club America, and Toluca. Monterrey have faced tough opponents and have managed to dodge defeat on every occasion till now.

By comparing the recent form, one can understand how easily winnable this fixture is for Monterrey. That is why the bookmakers have backed them as favorites. Juarez will be desperate to end their winless run, but it will be very difficult to end it against a staunch opponent like Monterrey.

Previous Meetings

This will only be the tenth Liga MX encounter between Juarez and Monterrey. The latter has the better record with six wins, while the former has only won twice. Only one game between these two clubs has ended in a draw.

Last season, Maximilian Meza scored the opener, and Rogelio Funes Mori bagged a brace as Monterrey defeated Juarez 3-1 at Estadio BBVA. The consolation goal for the visitors that day came via an Aviles Hurtado penalty.

The last time Juarez hosted Monterrey was during the Apertura 2022 season. Jesus Gallardo scored the only goal of the match and gave the visitors a crucial victory. Juarez’s last win over Monterrey came in the Apertura 2021 season.

The match was hosted in Juarez’s backyard, and Meza scored the first goal of the game. Juarez responded with goals from Diego Rolan, Jefferson Intriago, and Maximiliano Oliver to clinch a 3-1 victory over Monterrey.

FC Juarez Could Be Disturbed After Their Recent Loss  

Three days before their match with Puebla on February 17, Juarez made a grim announcement confirming the demise of Diego Chavez. The striker passed away following a car accident. Due to the severity of the situation, the league decided to postpone the club’s encounter with Puebla.

The club was already struggling in the league, and the mood in the dressing room could be somber. Amidst these circumstances, Juarez may not be able to bring their A-game to the pitch. At the same time, they could also let the loss fuel their fight the right way.

The Road Ahead Is Very Challenging

The next four games are going to be extremely tough for Juarez. After hosting Monterrey, the club will travel to take on Tigres UANL. After that, they will remain on the road and visit Estadio Hidalgo to play Pachuca.

After the testing run, Juarez will return home to host Toluca. Considering their recent form, the hosts will not be favorites to secure a positive result in any of these four games.

The Hosts Are Still Without Their Key Attacker  

In the match against Necaxa, Hurtado suffered a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Sebastian Saucedo. The 36-year-old could be out for a few weeks.

The Colombian has not made any goal contributions this season, but his involvement in attacks has been crucial for Juarez. His absence will certainly be felt, making the hosts’ attack bleak. 

CF Monterrey’s System Revolves Around The Midfield   

Coach Fernando Ortiz has either deployed a 3-5-2 formation or a 4-5-1. The gaffer has sacrificed either a defender or a striker but is trying his best to keep the midfield consistent. That is turning out to be an excellent decision and is reflected in Monterrey’s performance this season.

Jorge Rodriguez, Sergio Canales, Erick Aguirre, Luis Romo, and Jordi Cortizo have registered seven assists and scored four goals on aggregate. The midfield controls the tempo of games and provides sole striker German Berterame freedom in the final third. 

Former MLS Striker Warming The Bench

After joining Monterrey from MLS side FC Cincinnati, Brandon Vazquez would have hoped to get a regular starting eleven spot in his new team. However, the striker was left on the bench against Toluca.

Vazquez has scored three goals in five appearances for Monterrey and also scored in the recent CONCACAF Champions encounter against Comunicaciones FC after coming on as a substitute. It will be interesting to see if Ortiz switches back to the 3-5-2 to include Vazquez.

New Full-Back Playing Well

Just before the start of this month, Monterrey signed Gerardo Arteaga from Genk. The full-back was drafted straight into the starting lineup, has already played two games, and has been excellent.

The two games Arteaga featured in were against two tough opponents – Pachuca and Toluca. The 25-year-old did well in both matches and cleared his lines on time. Pachuca have one of the best attacks in the league this season, but Arteaga thwarted several attacks. 

How to watch FC Juarez vs. CF Monterrey

• Teams: FC Juarez vs. CF Monterrey

• Location: Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez

• Time: Friday, February 23 at 10:00 pm ET

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

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