Puebla vs Cruz Azul Prediction, Betting Odds, Picks

• Puebla and manager Nicolas Larcamon might not get very far if they don’t mix up their strategy in the final third
• A couple of support players could step in if needed for an injured Cruz Azul star
• Cruz Azul could be on the cusp of another turnaround

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Puebla vs Cruz Azul Odds

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Puebla vs Cruz Azul Predictions and Picks

Is there much hope for Puebla here?

Despite the fact that they will be hosting this match and are in the middle of a three-game undefeated streak, there is reason to worry about the Liga MX minnows.

Their attacking numbers haven’t been impressive, and even at home, they’ve been far from dominant.

Cruz Azul have enough firepower to complicate things for Puebla, and although they’ll have bigger fish to try next week in the Campeones Cup, they have enough depth to get the job done.

Bet on Cruz Azul to Win Here!

It hasn’t exactly been the best first half of the season for Puebla.

Regardless of their short undefeated run, they’ve only managed one win in nine Liga MX appearances in the 2021 Apertura.

That lone victory was perhaps a lucky result as well.

Up against a Queretaro side that had more shots and possession, Puebla snuck by with a narrow 1-0 result in their favor thanks to a lone goal from Daniel Alvarez in the 2nd half.

The three points were significant for manager Nicolas Larcamon, but they were also a reminder of the improvements that he needs to make.

Puebla’s Attacking Issues Have Hurt Their Chances

In nine Liga MX matches, Puebla have a meager tally of seven goals scored. Only two teams — Pumas and Queretaro — have scored fewer goals than them this season.

It’s not as if they haven’t had their chances either.

Puebla have an average of 9.68 shots per game (the league average is 9.94), but often fails to hit the target or simply creates low percentage opportunities.

There’s sloppiness and slight chaos to their attacking ways, and unless if Larcamon changes things immediately, they’ll have problems once again this week.

Goalscoring Alternatives Stepping Up For Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul seems to be polar opposites when it comes to their frontline.

Although they have a slightly lower average of 8.16 shots per game, they rarely need many to claim much-needed points.

Most importantly, they also have plenty of names who have helped out with finding the back of the net.

In the midst of an injury for star player Jonathan Rodriguez, others like Lucas Passerini and Brayan Angulo have seamlessly taken over his goalscoring efforts.

Young striker Santiago Gimenez has also been a game-changer this season, and after scoring four times since August, he might be due for another goal on Friday.

Cruz Azul’s Win Against Queretaro Could Be A Sign Of Progress

Even in an Apertura tournament in which they could be allowed to take their foot off the pedal and celebrate last season’s title, Cruz Azul doesn’t tend to stumble for long.

Cruz Azul immediately bounced back after losing their first game of the season with a six-game undefeated run in Liga MX play.

Following losses in the Concacaf Champions League and Liga MX earlier this month, they quickly pushed away those worries with a 2-0 against Queretaro last weekend.

It’s not the same vintage Cruz Azul that dominated early 2021, but they’re slowly gaining momentum under manager Juan Reynoso.

Little by little they’re speeding up, and after seeing them earn a convincing result against Queretaro, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if they truly start to take off.

Friday’s match could be the beginning of their return to an impenetrable form.

How to Watch Puebla vs Cruz Azul