'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Pumas UNAM and Austin FC will battle for three points in their opening fixture of the Leagues Cup on Friday (July 26th). The game will be played at the Q2 Stadium, Texas.
UNAM are coming into the clash on the back of a 2-0 home win over Pachuca in the Liga MX over the weekend. Ulises Rivas broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time while Cesar Huerta doubled the lead from the spot five minutes after the break.
Austin, meanwhile, shared the spoils in a four-goal stalemate at home to Charlotte FC in MLS. They went ahead in the 11th minute through Alexander Ring but Karol Swiderski drew the game level from the spot in the 33rd minute. Iuri Tavares put the visitors ahead 11 minutes into the second half while Jon Gallagher equalized with 10 minutes to go.
Monterrey is the third team in the group.
Pumas vs Austin Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
- Pumas have made a four-game unbeaten start to the season (three wins).
- Austin have won just one of their last five games (three losses).
- Austin's last four games have been level at the break.
- Pumas have scored at least two goals in four of their last five games.
- Austin's last three games have seen the opening goal scored within the first 12 minutes.
Pumas vs Austin Prediction
Pumas are the most experienced side in the group and will be keen to start their tournament on a winning note. They have made a positive start to their domestic season and currently sit joint-top of the Mexican top-flight.
Austin, by contrast, have struggled in the last few weeks but this game will be played at their stadium despite them being the designated visitors on the day.
Playing on their turf has been somewhat of a disadvantage for Josh Wolff's side as they have won just one of the last five played in front of their fans. Los Verdes outfit did not make it out of the Leagues Cup group stage last time out and will be hoping for a better outing.
We are backing Pumas to claim a narrow win.
Prediction: Pumas 2-1 Austin
Pumas vs Austin Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Pumas
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 1.5 goals
Tip 4 - Highest scoring half: Second half
