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Puebla will welcome Santos Laguna to Estadio Cuauhtémoc in the Liga MX Apertura campaign opener on Friday. The hosts finished at the bottom of the league standings in 2023-24 Clausura while the visitors didn't fare much better, finishing in 15th place.
The hosts had just one win in the Clausura phase and will look to improve upon that performance. They have enjoyed an unbeaten record in their three friendlies last month, recording two wins. In their previous outing, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Queretaro, with Lucas Cavallini and Raúl Castillo finding the back of the net.
The visitors concluded their preseason with a commanding 4-0 win over Club Atlético La Paz. José Juan Macías, Bruno Amione, Santiago Muñoz, and Ismael Govea were on the scoresheet.
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Puebla vs Santos Laguna Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off 72 times in all competitions thus far. The visitors have the upper hand in these meetings, leading 30-17 in wins while 25 games have ended in draws.
- The visitors have won their last three league meetings against the hosts, scoring three goals each in these matches.
- Four of the last five meetings between the two teams have produced over 2.5 goals.
- The hosts have just two wins in this fixture since 2013, with their last triumph coming in 2022.
- Puebla had just one win in the Clausura phase and suffered 11 losses in their last 12 league games.
- Santos Laguna endured a winless run in their last six games in the league, failing to score in the last three.
- Interestingly, both teams have kept just one clean sheet in their last six games in this fixture, with two games ending in draws.
Puebla vs Santos Laguna Prediction
La Franja had a good preseason and will look to build on that form. José Manuel de la Torre has been named as the club's new manager and will look to get a win in his first competitive game in charge.
Guerreros also had a decent run in the pre-season and will look to get this season underway on a positive note. Jose Juan Macias scored in his debut in the friendly against Club Atlético La Paz but picked up a knock and is a doubt here.
While the visitors have dominated proceedings against the hosts recently, recording three wins on the trot while scoring nine goals, both teams have been in good touch in the pre-season and might settle for a draw in their campaign opener.
Prediction: Puebla 2-2 Santos Laguna
Puebla vs Santos Laguna Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Lucas Cavallini to score or assist any time - Yes
