Cruz Azul and Philadelphia Union meet in the Leagues Cup at Subaru Park on Thursday night.
The Union, who reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2023 and 2024 and qualified for this year's campaign after winning the 2025 Supporters' Shield, will play three games at home, starting against the Sky Blues.
Cruz Azul should be aiming for a better Leagues Cup this time around after failing to progress from the league phase last year.
Losing 7-0 in their opening game against Seattle Sounders, the Liga MX side beat LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids on penalties but had to settle for 12th place.
Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union betting picks & predictions
Philadelphia Union to win (+175)
Cruz Azul arrive at Subaru Park looking to bounce back from a surprise defeat by Atlante on Sunday.
It was the Sky Blues' first loss since April following a run of 15 matches unbeaten. Going down 3-2, it left Joel Huiqui's team sixth in the Liga MX table after three games.
The Union have won three straight games at home in the MLS, beating New York Red Bulls, Seattle Sounders and Atlanta United in ten days.
Enjoying a victorious start after returning to action following the World Cup break, the Snakes will be confident they can earn another win against Cruz Azul, who will be smarting after their recent setback.
Cruz Azul have beaten Toluca and Puebla in recent weeks, but may struggle to rebuild momentum with the Union enjoying home advantage when the sides meet on Thursday.
The U had endured a difficult campaign but appear to have turned a corner, looking reinvigorated after time off during the summer.
Both teams to score - Yes (-200)
Thursday's Leagues Cup encounter promises plenty of goalmouth action and both sides will be keen to get on the scoresheet in their tournament opener.
The Union scored three goals in each of the wins against the Red Bulls and Atlanta and have found the net in seven straight matches.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, have scored ten goals in their last four matches and should get the better of the Union defence, who have managed only two clean sheets in ten games.
Eight of the last nine games involving the Sky Blues have seen both teams to score, while six of the last seven matches featuring the Snakes have seen goals scored at both ends.
With these numbers in mind, backing both teams to score when they meet at Subaru Park looks a smart bet.
Milan Iloski anytime goalscorer (+130)
Milan Iloski looks like a sound pick to get on the scoresheet at any time against Cruz Azul, having hit the back of the net in each of his last six matches.
The forward has eight goals in that time, having recorded a hat-trick in the 6-4 defeat by Inter Miami and has been key to the Snakes' turnaround in recent weeks.
Signed from San Diego FC last summer, Iloski has made Union history on that run, setting the record for the longest ever scoring streak.
Cruz Azul have failed to keep a clean sheet in six matches, so the striker is likely to get opportunities to add to his tally.
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Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union odds
Cruz Azul | +130 |
Tie | +275 |
Philadelphia Union | +175 |
Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union player props
Anytime goalscorer
Gabriel Fernandez (Cruz Azul) | +120 |
Nicolas Ibanez ( Cruz Azul) | +130 |
Milan Iloski (Philadelphia Union) | +150 |
Inigo Cuesta (Cruz Azul) | +150 |
Juan Calero ( Cruz Azul) | +150 |
Bruno Damiani (Philadelphia Union) | +160 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
