We are now close to the half-way stage of the Clausura in the Liga MX in Mexico. There are 18 teams in the league so each team plays 17 fixtures. The second stage of the league is not played on a round-robin basis but it is made up of the reverse fixtures from the Apertura. The top 12 teams progress to the post-season playoffs and qualifiers in the liguilla (little league).
The top three teams in the table (CF Pachuca down to Puebla FC and Tigres de la UNAL) have won 19, 18, and 17 points from eight fixtures. They are the three unbeaten teams in five matches but Puebla are the only undefeated team since the start of the season. Eight teams are separated by a maximum of two points at the other end of the table which is a key reference for our Liga MX picks.
Pumas UNAM vs Mazatlan FC – 1 pm, Saturday
| Bet | Odds |
| Pumas to win | -150 |
| Draw | +260 |
| Mazatlan to win | +375 |
Liga MX Pick – Pumas UNAM to beat Mazatlan at (-140) with PointsBet
The odds suggest this is one of the home bankers and we would not dispute that assessment. Pumas are currently nine places ahead of their opponents and can confirm that status with maximum points from this fixture in Mexico City. The visitors are the only team in the Primera Division in Mexico not to win on the road at this stage of the season.
The hosts have lost one of four home fixtures but that was against Tigres, the current third-placed team. Despite that defeat, Pumas have scored eight and conceded three goals at their own stadium during the Clausara. They won a point more than Mazatlan in the Apertura but cannot be opposed in this home meeting.
Cruz Azul vs Puebla FC – 10 pm, Sunday
| Bet | Odds |
| Cruz Azul to win | -108 |
| Draw | +220 |
| Puebla to win | +290 |
Liga MX Pick – Puebla FC to beat Cruz Azul at (+290) with PointsBet
This fixture matches the home team who finished eighth in the Apertura and visitors who were one place higher with a tally of one more point. Cruz Azul only won three of eight fixtures during the first half of the season and have already lost two matches from four home fixtures during the Clausara.
Puebla made a good start to the Clausara and are currently second in the standings, scoring 14 goals and conceding six. Their three away fixtures so far during this stage have produced maximum points and a positive goal difference of five goals. Puebla can improve that record with a win at Cruz Azul.
CF Pachuca vs Tigres de la UNAL- 7 pm, Sunday
| Bet | Odds |
| Pachuca to win | +130 |
| Draw | +225 |
| Tigres to win | +190 |
Liga MX Pick – CF Pachuca to beat Tigres de la UNAL at (+130) with PointsBet
Even at this stage of the season, we have a fixture that could be pivotal to the outcome of the regular season. A home win takes Pachuca five points clear of their opponents. However, Tigres could overhaul the two teams above them with a win, though we have picked Puebla over Cruz Azul.
In terms of points and position, Pachuca are the most improved team from the Apertura to the Clausara. Home advantage should be key to the outcome of this fixture so the pick is Pachuca who can consolidate their position as the league leaders.
