Pumas UNAM vs Chivas Guadalajara Predictions
The Apertura 2023 league stage has reached its penultimate stage, and there are quite a few high-stakes fixtures over the weekend. Chivas will be slightly relaxed in this encounter as they have confirmed their place in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Pumas are through to the playoffs but are yet to secure a top-six finish.
The hosts have managed to turn around a poor start to the season, ending up in fifth place on the table with just one game left. Guadalajara are placed fourth; however, their quarterfinal berth is cemented regardless of the outcome of this match, as the only team that can leapfrog them on the table is their next opponent.
Pumas will come out all guns blazing on Saturday to secure the precious three points that will send them to the last eight. Anything less than a win could leave the hosts vulnerable, and they could lose their quarterfinal qualifying spot.
Previous Meetings
The numbers do not favor the home side regarding their head-to-head record with Guadalajara. Pumas has won seven times in their 29 meetings, whereas Chivas has won ten. The remaining 12 games have been stalemates.
Another worrying factor will be that Pumas UNAM have failed to register a win over their next opponents in the last five meetings, losing the last four encounters.
The last time these two sides met, Daniel Rios and Carlos Cisneros gave Chivas a commanding 2-0 lead before Juan Dinenno pulled one back in the 76th minute. However, the scoreline remained unchanged till the full-time whistle.
Pumas UNAM Have Struggled This Season
Despite struggling with consistency and form, Pumas UNAM have managed to fight their way into the top six. They are placed fifth with 25 points, having secured seven wins, four draws, and five losses.
In the last five matches, Pumas have secured just two wins. They drew against Club Leon but were beaten by Monterrey and Necaxa. These results were sandwiched between the wins against Cruz Azul and Atlas FC.
The Hosts Have Not Been Shy in Front of Goal
Pumas have the sixth-best goalscoring average this season, averaging 1.6 goals per game. Cesar Huerta has been the star player this season, with eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances.
Pumas UNAM have scored eight goals in their last five games. Hence, there should be no concerns in the final third against Chivas.
Must-Win Game for Pumas
Chivas are two points clear of Pumas, and the hosts need to win this game. Atletico de San Luis and Club Tijuana are both in contention to overtake Pumas on the table if they happen to drop points.
Both teams are on 23 points each, and if they win their respective matches but Pumas fumble, they will move above Pumas. This will leave the home side to fight for a place in the quarterfinals in the reclassification playoffs.
Chivas Guadalajara Are Having a Good Season Overall
Chivas Guadalajara are enjoying a fantastic run in Liga MX this Apertura season, standing fourth on the points table with the last game remaining. They are on 27 points, with eight wins, three draws, and five losses in 16 games.
A top-six finish, meaning a quarterfinal berth, is guaranteed for the 12-time Liga MX winners. Given the current situation, coach Veljko Paunovic can afford to take it easy in the final game of the league stage.
Numbers Are in Favor of the Visitors
Chivas have an impressive head-to-head record against Pumas. They have won all four of their previous meetings and haven’t lost in the last five. When it comes to the Liga MX as well, Guadalajara’s numbers are far better than their next opponents.
They have scored nine goals in their last five matches, which is one more than Pumas. Also, Guadalajara will try to win the final game to ensure Pumas UNAM do not move above them in the table.
Paunovic Has a Lengthy Injury List
Guadalajara need to take it easy in the final league game of the Apertura season, as their injury list is mounting. Paunovic cannot afford any further injuries as his side are confirmed to play in the quarterfinals.
Alexis Vega, Manuel Mayorga, and Jesus Orozco are doubtful for the match against Pumas. Meanwhile, Carlos Cisneros and Jose Macias are out until February with a ligament injury. Jose Rangel suffered a head injury and was expected to return by mid-November, but remains a doubt for this fixture.
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