Match Preview: Pumas UNAM vs. Celaya

Pumas is facing a do or die game in the Copa MX Thursday night when they play at home against Celaya. New coach Sergio Egea needs to bounce back after a terrible display last Sunday against Veracruz, which put a spotlight on how the troubles with the team might not have been all tied to recently sacked coach Francisco Palencia.

Pumas’ history in the newly brought back Copa MX has been disastrous, although because of Libertadores and CONCACAF Champions league, they have had less opportunities to participate in it. Still, this edition of the tournament has been about the same for them with two lackluster ties in both their games played. This tournament has proven a great boost for teams that depend on young talent like Chivas and Atlas, which is right up Pumas aisle so it's counter productive for Pumas to not do well in the Copa MX tournament. Thus a win is a must, especially since their next game will be away to Monterrey, a team that takes this tournament more seriously than many.

Celaya, an Ascenso MX team, will also need to get the three points since, although they wouldn't necessarily be through with a win, a defeat will guarantee elimination. They are led by ex National teamer Angel Reyna and have the talent to pose a threat to Pumas. It's not certain if Sergio Egea will be looking to stay or leave as Pumas coach but either way, a win is a must to keep his project going on however short lived it might be planned.

Date: Thursday, August 31

Time: 7:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 PM Central, 10:00 PM Eastern

Venue: Estadio Universitario, Mexico City, Mexico

Television: Univision Deportes Network (US-Spanish), UnivisionTDN (Mexico)

Streaming: fuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription)

Listings via LiveSoccerTV.com.