D1 - Football - Mexico - Liga MX

Santos Laguna
After one win in eight matches, first leg of CONCACAF Champions League last 16, being eliminated by CF Montreal and winless in Liga MX, coach Caixinha was replaced by interim coach Eduardo Fentanes.

Santos Laguna improved quickly in the next five matches: three wins, one draw and one defeat. Scoring two goals or more in four of them, only against Chivas Guadalajara went scoreless. The recent proficiency scoring has shelter their defense, which has allowed goal in four of the recent five. The fighting spirit is there as they have tie or win matches in the final 20 minutes in three of the recent five. This match against Pachuca is a fitting test for their improvement.

Pachuca
A thriving Pachuca, top of league, seven matches unbeaten, currently five consecutive wins, arrives here on excellent form. Second best attack, 11 goals in last five matches and the best defense two goals allowed in the last five matches.

Coach Almada has turn around a team that last season didn't qualify to the playoffs to the Liguilla. A better management of the existing players. The main aspect is the improvement in defense, as in front Nicolas Ibanez and Victor Guzman continues as the main attackers.

Match
Expect an attractive offensive display as both teams look for the rivals net. In the previous five matches between them, four draws and a win for Pachuca. An encounter that tends to be close and three times only one team has scored.

Prediction
Pachuca great form will be tested by an improving Santos Laguna, it will be an intense encounter. Pachuca holds the edge due to their top defending, fair attack and being top of league in the standings. Santos Laguna has improved, yet remains outside of playoff position, and tends to fall behind in the scoreline, which against a top defense they might not be able to comeback. Consequently Pachuca is the best option here.

03/04/2022 23:24, read 676 times