Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul Prediction: Who Can Keep the Momentum Going

Saturday evening the last match of week 2 in the 2024 Apertura will see Cruz Azul make its way down to Estadio BBVA to take on Monterrey. In their 39 previous clashes, Cruz Azul possesses the head-to-head edge winning on 15 occasions. Monterrey has been victorious 11 times while both sides shared the points in 13 stints.

Monterrey are coming off a clean-sheet victory on the road last weekend against Pachuca. The lone goal in the match came from Sergio Canales in the 14th minute. Despite finishing the 90-minute affair with a higher xG than Pachuca, the Rayados were outshot 17 to eight and only maintained 43 percent of the ball possession.

Meanwhile, Cruz Azul secured a clean sheet win at home over Mazatlan last weekend. La Maquina saved their best at the very last as they broke the deadlock in the 95th minute thanks to Bryan Gamboa. Left-back Camilo Candido picked up a red card in the 75th minute for violent conduct.

Here, we will break down the betting odds and share our favourite picks for Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul.

Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul Betting Odds for Saturday, July 13

With the odds provided the books have pegged Monterrey as the plus-money favourite in this affair. Monterrey to capture all three points is listed at +110. For Cruz Azul pull off the upset is priced at +275, while the draw is set down at +220.

The following odds are taken from bet365 Sportsbook. Head over to bet365 to place your bets and claim a bonus: $1,000 Safety Net Bet OR $150 in Bonus Bets.

Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul Prediction

Monterrey Preview

Not missing a beat from last season and putting in another quality shift was Sergio Canales. The Rayados star attacking midfielder played in all 90 minutes last weekend amassing four shots toward the target. The 33-year-old Spaniard now has 14 career Liga MX goals dawning the Monterrey kit 38 times.

Preserving his team’s shutout, Esteban Andrada came up clutch when he needed to. The Argentina keeper saved all four shots that were directed towards him including three inside the box. Andrada finally picked up his first clean-sheet in his last 10 domestic league appearances, prior to Saturday his most recent clean-sheet transpired back in March during the 2024 Clausura season.

Bet on Monterrey at bet365

Cruz Azul Preview

Last season one of the top scorers for La Maquina failed to get on the score sheet last weekend. Angel Sepulveda performed in 68 minutes against Mazatlan where he picked up three total shots. The most recent goal the 33-year-old has bagged was against Monterrey in last year’s playoff showdown. In 34 appearances with Cruz Azul, the striker has nailed home nine goals.

Coming back from Copa America duty Uriel Antuna didn’t make an impact on the pitch during his 80 minutes. The 26-year-old Mexican international finished with two shots on target, drying up on the stat sheet as he has only scored one goal in his last nine outings with Cruz Azul. Back in the 2024 Clausura regular season, Antuna managed to get a pair of goals against this same Monterrey side.

Bet on Cruz Azul at bet365

Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul - My Pick

• Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul pick: Monterrey moneyline 3-way (+110) at bet365

Cruz Azul have had the overall edge in recent times but still look for Monterrey to defend their home pitch on Saturday. Going back to the last three domestic seasons in Liga MX, Monterrey has been exceptional only losing on five occasions at Estadio BBVA. It will be a tight matchup but with the Rayados fans behind their back, and Cruz Azul's away form of recent times playing against top-tier clubs, Monterrey should in the end accumulate all three points.

Bet on Monterrey moneyline 3-way (+110) at bet365

How to Watch Monterrey vs. Cruz Azul

• When: Saturday July 13, 11.10 p.m ET

• Where: Estadio BBVA

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