Bold Predictions: Guard1anes 2020 Week 7

Through the first third of the Guard1anes 2020 season, Cruz Azul remain as the lone leader with 13 points after defeating Atlético San Luis on the road last weekend. Right behind them are the surprising Diablos Rojos de Toluca with 12 points, now winners of three straight games. León follow closely behind Toluca with 11 points. And those are the table’s Top 3. Looking down at the other end of the league table, we find a four-way tie for last. Atlético de San Luis, Santos, Atlas, and Mazatlán all sit together with 5 points. Of course, this was more than expected from Atlas and Mazatlán, but not from San Luis, and even less likely from Santos. We still have 2/3 of the season yet to play however.

And so, with the season beginning to set sail and teams finally separating somewhat from one another, Week 7 has arrived and kicks off tonight at 8:30 ET (7:30 CT) in Puebla, with La Franja playing hosts to red-hot Toluca. After an ugly bold predictions last week, going only 1 for 3, we give way to our Week 7 BOLD PREDICTIONS:

• Puebla break Toluca’s 3-game win streak. The inaugural match of the week is played tonight between these two squads who face completely opposite realities at the moment. While Puebla won two of their first three to start the season, they are now losers of three straight. But don’t be fooled, as all three matches have been lost to tough teams in Tigres, Pachuca, and Tijuana, and not to mention, have all been one-goal difference results. On the other hand, Toluca lost two out of its first three, and now find themselves on a three-game winning streak which has them in 2nd place overall. Puebla head coach Juan Reynoso had his pupils playing at a high level when the current season began a few weeks back, and has proven they aren’t going away, as they’ve taken every single rival they’ve faced so far to the limit. In contrast, “Chepo” de la Torre’s squad have won games without playing very good football. Toluca are of course coming in to this game as heavy favorites, and that’s when inconsistent teams are at their most vulnerable. Look for Puebla to win this game and end both teams’ streaks.
• Necaxa get at least a point vs. Cruz Azul. This is probably the toughest out of this week’s bold predictions. Cruz Azul have gotten right back on track after their loss to Querétaro in Week 4, defeating both FC Juárez and Atlético San Luis. But this week they get ready to receive “Poncho” Sosa’s squad, who have not lost a game since Week 2. They have discovered their orderly style of play and have been a nightmare for strong teams, as they managed to draw even with América and Rayados, as well as defeat Santos. Despite having scored only 5 goals so far (second least), Sosa knows how to complicate things for potent offenses, and I expect him to do just that, stifling Siboldi’s game plan. Expect Necaxa to come out of Estadio Azteca with at least a draw, if not a surprise win.
• León get 5th clean sheet of season as well as the victory. Out of the six games so far, León have managed to keep their rivals scoreless in four of them. To go along with that, they own the best defense in the league, having only received three total goals. “Nacho” Ambriz’s squad will play hosts to Atlas on Monday night at 10:05 pm ET (9:05 pm CT). Atlas are coming off a horrendous win vs. a lifeless Querétaro last Saturday, and with a showing like that, Diego Cocca’s squad can expect to be on the losing side of most their games. Not to mention, León have gained momentum, and are now undefeated in their last three, garnering two wins and a draw. Despite La Fiera being tied for the worst offense in the league, I don’t see how Atlas can score a goal against this dogged defense, and much less win this game. León’s offense should explode on Monday and win this one by three.