Liga MX previews, predictions, team news

Mexico City is ready for another clash between two of its local teams. Pumas will visit their biggest rivals Club América at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on Sunday for another edition of El Clásico Capitalino.

It's a rivalry that goes beyond the white lines. These two fan bases are among the largest and most passionate in the country. Both teams are located in the heart of Mexico City – hence the name derby – and it's a game where traditionally it doesn't matter where the teams are in the table. If these two rivals meet, all bets will be void.

Pumas had a rollercoaster start to Apertura 2024. They took 10 points from their first four games, but lost three games in a row after the League Cup break this summer. Now Gustavo Lema's side are slowly getting back into form, with two 1-0 wins in a row moving them up to fifth place in Liga MX.

América has been just as unpredictable, if not more so, this season. The two-time Liga MX champions have not found consistent form. Las Águilas have achieved four wins, four losses and one draw in nine games. There are flashes of dominance from last year, but unlike the previous two seasons, they have not managed to maintain this level consistently.

For Pumas, this is a unique opportunity to strengthen its position in the direct playoff places while dealing a serious blow to its biggest rivals. América will be hoping to win their third of four games and continue their climb up the table.

Current form (all competitions)

América regained two key players last week in attacking midfielders Diego Valdés and Alejandro Zendejas. Valdés was arguably the best player in Liga MX last year, and Zendejas played a key role on the right wing in América's last two title seasons. New signing Víctor Dávila will experience a derby in the colors of America for the first time.

With so much talent again, coach André Jardine will have a hard time choosing his starting XI.

Despite all the injuries, Erick Sanchéz plays regularly in midfield; However, the Mexican international had to undergo emergency surgery for appendicitis earlier this week. América also has several injuries in defense, including Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres and Igor Lichnovski.

Malaga; Borja, Araujo, Juárez, Espinoza; Dos Santos, Fidalgo; Rodríguez, Valdés, Zendejas; Martin

Pumas were without top attacker César Huerta in last weekend's game against Tijuana. Gustavo Lema said after the game that they had decided to keep Huerta out of the game so that he would be ready and available for this weekend's derby.

Pumas will be without their other winger Jorge Ruvalcaba, who sustained a hamstring injury in the game against Puebla last week.

Gustavo Lema has to do without another attacking midfielder, Leonardo Suárez. Since there isn't much depth in midfield, look for the Pumas to start the game with two strikers.

Gonzalez; Bennevendo, Magallán, Nathan, Duarte; Caicedo, Quispe, Huerta, Pussetto; Funes Mori, Martinez

This is one of the most unpredictable derbies in the country. Regardless of where both teams are in the table, El Clásico Capitalino is always a passionate, intense game. Pumas is three points ahead in the overall standings; However, it lacks the talent that América has in almost every aspect of the game.

The return of Valdés adds another level of play to the attack that Pumas does not have in its squad.

Prediction: América 3-1 Pumas

READ THE LATEST LIGA MX NEWS, PREVIEWS, PREDICTIONS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE