Club America vs Pachuca Prediction, Betting Odds & Picks

How to Watch Club America vs Pachuca

Let’s review how Pachuca got here in the first place.

After sitting in dead last from Weeks 6 through 9 of the 2021 Clausura, manager Paulo Pezzolano and his men quickly shook off their rust with five wins in their last seven games of the regular season.

Carried by players like Roberto de la Rosa, Erick Aguirre, and Oscar Murillo, Pachuca became a Cinderella story of sorts through their run into the wildcard round of the Liga MX playoffs.

Up against league giants Chivas in a one-off wildcard match, Pachuca thrashed their opponents through a 4-2 win.

Then, they defeated America earlier this week in the first of two quarterfinal legs. With a 3-1 lead in the quarterfinal series and just one game to go, Pachuca should easily clinch another victory this weekend, right?

Things have gone fairly smoothly for them so far, but more than likely, Pachuca’s playoff journey may end by Sunday evening.

Home Field Advantage Is A Major One For America

Never overlook the impact and influence that the Estadio Azteca has in soccer. Whether it be in a domestic Liga MX match or a World Cup qualifier, the historic arena has an aura that few venues can match.

Due to this, it hasn’t been out of the ordinary for America to make comebacks at home during the second legs of the playoff series.

Most importantly, they also rarely run into any problems at the Azteca.

In their last 15 home games, America only have one defeat. In just their last eight appearances at the Azteca, they have seven wins and one draw.

The colossal building is a noteworthy factor — especially for Pachuca who haven’t claimed a Liga MX win at the Azteca in their last four appearances.

Oscar Ustari Remains A Weaklink For Pachuca In Net

If America are looking for the best hope of mounting a surging come back, they may set their sights on Pachuca goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

Regardless of the fact that Ustari only allowed one goal in the recent win for Pachuca, the Argentine is far from the most accomplished or reliable goalkeeper in the league.

Ustari only has three clean sheets in 18 starts, he has yet to save a penalty in 2021 and has had a few questionable moments when needing to dive for the ball.

It’s grasping for straws, but that said, you won’t find many Liga MX fans who would quickly name Ustari when thinking of some of the top goalkeeping options in the league.

America failed to truly test him on Thursday, and during Sunday’s second leg, they’ll likely make up for that mistake of not launching enough shots against the goalie who can create a blunder or two.

Henry Martin Is Due For A Decisive Performance

Who will be the one taking those opportunities against Ustari?

Look no further than Henry Martin.

With seven goals and an assist in 13 games, the Mexican striker has led the charts for America when it comes to finding the back of the net.

Keeping in mind that he’s only scored once in his last four appearances in all competitions for the team, the well-rounded striker is due for a big performance this weekend.

Martin loves taking center stage when needed by his team, and considering the current setback in the quarterfinals, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he were to become the focal point of the attack for America on Sunday.