2019-20 Mexican Liga MX – Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When does Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna kick off? Saturday 25th January, 2020 – 23:00 (UK)

Where is Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna being played? Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

What TV channel is Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna on? ESPN+, TUDN (USA), TUDN (Mexico)

Where can I stream Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna? ESPN Deportes+ (USA), TUDN En Vivo (USA, Mexico), DAZN (Brazil)

Where can I get tickets for Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna? https://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/cruz-azul-v-santos-torneo-clausura-mexico-distrito-federal-25-01-2020/event/140056BEE9990BE5

THE TEAM NEWS

CRUZ AZUL

• Cruz Azul have endured an abysmal start to the 2020 Clausura campaign since they are the only team in the league that hasn’t recorded a point yet after dropping their first two games by an identical 2-1 score – their most recent one against Atletico San Luis. Their home record during the Apertura was much better on the other hand with La Maquina Cementera losing just once in nine home outings.
• Defender Igor Lichnovsky remains unavailable due to a knee injury while new signing Lucas Passerini will not be ready in time to make his debut here. Milton Caraglio is also out due to a hand fracture, meaning La Maquina could be very depleted at the attacking end of the field.

Expected starting XI: Jose de Jesus Corona; Pablo Aguilar, Juan Escobar, Julio Cesar Dominguez, Adrian Aldrete; Luis Romo, Rafael Baca; Elias Hernandez, Roberto Alvarado, Pablo Cepellini; Jonathan Rodriguez

SANTOS LAGUNA

• Santos Laguna are coming off a big 3-2 home win over Leon but are faced with the task of earning points on the road. That proved to be a struggle during the Apertura campaign, where Santos only delivered a W3, D3, L3 mark – even though they have lost just one of their last four away games dating back to last year (W1, D2, L1).
• Los Guerreros do not have any fresh injury concerns and the coaching staff has been known for making few changes to the starting unit. As such, it’s safe to expect Santos Laguna to use the same starting XI they have used in their first two Clausura matches.

Expected starting XI: Jonathan Orozco; Jose Van Rankin, Felix Torres, Doria, Gerardo Arteaga; Fernando Gorriaran, Ulises Rivas; Erick Castillo, Diego Valdes, Brian Lozano; Julio Furch

THE PREDICTION

If we combine the first two fixtures from both sides, then we could be in line for a goalfest since all four contests have ended with at least 2.5 goals scored. Cruz Azul have been due for a bounce-back performance but their issues – particularly the loss of Caraglio upfront – should complicate their chances of getting a positive result against the best team in the league during the Apertura regular season. Despite playing on the road, Santos Laguna should be considered as favourites to secure the win here as they they are the better side on both paper and form.