Weekly Clásico: Top Four Matches Take Center Stage in Upcoming Matchweek
Welcome to this week’s edition of Weekly Clásico, where we delve into the top matches to watch in La Liga and Liga MX. As always, Emegypt brings you the insights and predictions for this exciting matchweek.
La Liga: Villarreal vs. Real Betis
The clash between Villarreal and Real Betis promises to be the highlight of the La Liga weekend. Currently, Villarreal sits in third place, while Real Betis follows closely in fourth. Notably, Real Betis boasts a three-match winning streak, having conceded just once in these encounters. The Colombian striker, Cucho Hernández, has been pivotal to Betis’ form, netting four goals and providing one assist in eight matches.
Villarreal has relied heavily on late goals for victories, despite missing star forwards Ayoze Perez and Gerard Moreno earlier this season. However, their impressive home form, with an average of 2.33 expected goals, was somewhat skewed by a 5-0 victory over Girona. Their challenge will be maintaining this without surpassing two goals in the last few matches. Meanwhile, Real Betis has a favorable away record, with 1.61 expected goals per match. A thrilling contest is anticipated with Real Betis likely edging a victory. Prediction: Real Betis 2, Villarreal 1.
La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Getafe
Real Madrid faces challenges ahead of the clash with Getafe due to a growing injury list, including young star centerback Dean Huijsen. Despite these setbacks, Los Blancos returned to form with a 3-1 win over Villarreal before the international break. Real Madrid averages an impressive 3.5 goals per game in the league.
Getafe, however, finds themselves in mid-table obscurity, having failed to secure a win in their last four outings. Their offensive struggles are evident as they haven’t scored more than two goals in any match this season. Nevertheless, Madrid’s weakened defense might offer Getafe a chance to score. Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Getafe 1.
Liga MX: Cruz Azul vs. Club América
Club América, second in the standings, faces off against fourth-placed Cruz Azul in a highly anticipated Liga MX match. América is in stellar form, enjoying a three-game winning streak with eight goals scored and one conceded. In contrast, Cruz Azul hasn’t secured a win in their last three games, having conceded five times and received two red cards.
The encounter at Cruz Azul’s Estadio Olímpico Universitario could be pivotal, with Cruz Azul averaging 2.46 expected goals at home. However, América’s prior form could prove difficult for the hosts to overcome. Prediction: Cruz Azul 2, Club América 2.
Liga MX: Monterrey vs. Pumas
Monterrey’s fixture against Pumas poses a potential trap game, with Monterrey currently placed third. Forward Germán Berterame leads the charge, vying for the Golden Boot with eight goals in 12 matches. Their recent form shows inconsistency, with two wins, two draws, and one defeat in five games, including a heavy loss to Toluca.
Pumas, in contrast, have suffered three consecutive defeats and have a negative goal differential of minus six. Their away form is troubling, with expected goals per match being less than one. Expect Berterame to exploit Pumas’ vulnerabilities at Estadio BBVA. Prediction: Monterrey 3, Pumas 0.
