Toluca opened their Liga MX Apertura bid with a 2-0 win at Guadalajara and now they will be looking to make it two wins in as many games against a Pumas UNAM side who went down 3-0 at home to Pachuca in their own opener.
UNAM enjoyed a strong Clausura season in Liga MX as they finished top of the pile in the regular season but fell just short as they lost to Cruz Azul in the play-off final.
Since that final defeat, Esteban Solari has replaced Efrain Juarez as the head coach after the latter’s surprise exit.
Pumas UNAM have also lost some key members of their squad - most notably forward Jordan Carrillo, who has joined Chivas.
Sebastian Cordova is set for a quick reunion with his former club after departing Toluca for Pumas UNAM after the Clausura.
Toluca have made a few impressive signings themselves with Victor "Pocho" Guzman and Federico Vinas joining the club.
Toluca vs. Pumas UNAM betting picks and predictions
Toluca to win and both teams to score - No (+200)
Pumas UNAM are a team in transition as they have a new manager in charge, and there have been some major changes to their squad.
They may struggle to match their Clausura exploits and in any case it looks like it might take them a while to gel after a one-sided defeat to Pachuca in their opener - a team they beat over two legs in their playoff run earlier this year.
While Pumas UNAM have perhaps taken a step backwards, Toluca look a stronger unit than the team they had in the first half of the year.
Vinas is an upgrade on Cordova but the $13million capture won’t be involved on Tuesday after only just completing his move.
Pocho should be able to make a full debut, however, after featuring as a substitute against Guadalajara and he is perhaps Toluca’s standout signing as an effective and experienced playmaker in midfield.
UNAM only lost one regular season game in the Clausura but could suffer back-to-back defeats to start the Apertura and a win and a clean sheet for Toluca looks a good option here at +200.
Toluca managed to win without conceding at Guadalajara and only conceded six goals in eight home games in the regular Clausura season.
Pumas UNAM registered just one shot on target in their defeat to Pachuca and posted an xG of just 0.28.
So, based on that limp attacking display, they may struggle for any success against a solid Toluca defense.
Victor Guzman anytime assist (+275)
Victor Guzman has been added to the Toluca squad to provide a further creative spark and after an impressive cameo against Guadalajara he should be handed his full debut on Tuesday.
Pocho had 100% passing accuracy in his 20 minutes against Guadalajara and recorded eight assists in 37 games for Pachuca last season.
The 31-year-old had one assist for Pachuca in their playoff tie with Pumas UNAM before making the move to Toluca, and he looks a strong contender to set up a teammate on Tuesday at the Estadio Nemesio Díez.
Alexis Vega 2+ shots on target (+100)
Alexis Vega endured a frustrating World Cup with Mexico as he was limited to just one substitute appearance, totalling just 11 minutes, but that may be a benefit for Toluca as he has returned fresh for Liga MX action.
The 28-year-old had four shots in total against Guadalajara, scoring once and registering a further attempt on target, and he can follow up that strong display by at least forcing two saves from the visiting Pumas UNAM keeper.
Toluca vs. Pumas UNAM odds
Toluca | -175 |
Tie | +310 |
Pumas UNAM | +400 |
Toluca vs. Pumas UNAM odds player props
Anytime goalscorer
Fernandes Paulinho (Toluca) | +163 |
Alexis Vega (Toluca) | +125 |
Jesus Ricardo Angulo (Toluca) | +150 |
Victor Guzman (Toluca) | +150 |
Guillermo Martinez (Pumas UNAM) | +220 |
Juninho (Pumas UNAM) | +250 |
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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.
