Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Liga MX clash between Toluca and Juarez, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Toluca will welcome Juarez to Estadio Nemesio Diez on Sunday for matchweek two of Liga MX, with both teams looking for their first victory of the season.
Historically, these encounters have not been kind to the hosts, as they lost seven of the 13 encounters between them, while only winning two.
Match preview
© Reuters
Toluca has faced Guadalajara in their last three matches, losing on aggregate in the Clausura playoffs back in May – they then faced them again to kick off the new season, playing out a goalless draw at Estadio Akron on Saturday.
After finishing 12th in the Apertura, Toluca appointed Renato Paivo as manager in December 2023 and he led them to a third-place finish in the Clausura, their highest since 2018 – however, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the playoffs.
Heading into the new season with optimism, victory in their first home game is crucial for Toluca, especially against an opponent they have only beaten once in seven home encounters.
Notably, Paivo’s side won all but one home game in the Clausura regular season, and they will be hoping to match or surpass that feat, starting with Sunday’s clash.
© Reuters
Juarez drew 2-2 with Atlas at Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez on Sunday, despite taking the lead twice in the game, as they failed to record a winning start.
Angel Zaldivar scored Los Bravos’ first goal, giving them a halftime lead, but Eduardo Aguirre equalised four minutes into the second half.
Aviles Hurtado restored the lead from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, however, Mauricio Barbieri‘s side could not hold on as Luis Reyes scored in the 81st minute.
Juarez, who finished the league with two consecutive away wins, will hope to extend that streak on Sunday when they travel to the State of Mexico.
Toluca Liga MX form:
Juarez Liga MX form:
Team News
© Reuters
Toluca will be unable to call on the services of Paraguayan defender Juan Escobar due to an injury.
However, Garcia Caprizo is expected to return to the squad after returning from international duty with Mexico.
Robert Morales spearheaded the attack last time out and he is likely to keep his spot despite firing blanks.
Juarez will be missing a number of players for this clash, a list led by midfielder Manuel Castro who is out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury until next year.
Bryan Romero is also sidelined with a knee injury and is projected to return by January while Denzell Garcia has a muscle injury that will keep him out until August.
Toluca possible starting lineup:
Volpi; Gallardo, Pereira, Luan, Orrantia; Baeza, Ruiz; Meneses, Vega, Dominguez; Morales
Juarez possible starting lineup:
Jurado; Edson, Mosquera, Ortega, Orquin; del Campo; Castro, Villalpando, Vergara, Torres; Zaldivar
We say: Toluca 1-1 Juarez
Toluca had a strong showing in the second half of last season, boasting a formidable home record, but they have historically struggled against Juarez.
The away side demonstrated their goalscoring ability in their opening match, which could be crucial in securing a point on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.