CD Guadalajara vs. Cruz Azul Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 31 August 2025

Get ready for an exciting matchup in the Liga MX as CD Guadalajara hosts Cruz Azul at the Estadio Akron. This game carries significant weight, especially for the struggling Guadalajara, who currently sit 16th with just 4 points. Cruz Azul, sitting comfortably in 3rd with 14 points, are the bookmaker’s favorites, boasting a recent run of five consecutive wins.

Expect a fast-paced game with numerous scoring chances. Both sides have proven to be high-scoring lately, making the recommended bet of over 2.5 goals seem fitting. Look out for Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepulveda, who has scored five goals this season. CD Guadalajara, managed by Gabriel Milito, will need to be cautious of their inconsistent form and their inability to keep clean sheets in their last five games.

Injuries plague Guadalajara with key players doubtful for selection, while Cruz Azul comes into this match nearly at full strength. This clash could set the tone for the remainder of their seasons.

The game promises entertainment and could see many goals, aligning well with the betting tips provided.

CD Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul Prediction & Betting Tip

When CD Guadalajara goes head-to-head with Cruz Azul, expect an intense, high-scoring match. The recommended betting tip is Over 2.5 goals, considering both teams’ recent goal-scoring form and match facts.

Here’s why this is a solid bet:

• Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, with averages of 2.40 (Guadalajara) and 4.40 (Cruz Azul) goals per game in their last five outings.
• Angel Sepulveda of Cruz Azul is in top form, having netted five goals already this season.
• Historical data shows that these teams tend to score multiple goals when they meet, making over 2.5 goals a smart choice.

CD Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul Odds

The odds for the upcoming match between CD Guadalajara and Cruz Azul clearly highlight the tougher challenge ahead for the hosts. With CD Guadalajara currently in 16th place, they face a strong Cruz Azul side sitting in 3rd place.

Key Points:

• Cruz Azul is the bookmaker’s favorite to win at odds of 2.28, reflecting their strong form and third-place standing.
• A draw comes in at 3.36, suggesting that while less likely, a shared point is still a realistic outcome.
• CD Guadalajara offers the highest return at 2.86 given their struggles and current 16th-place position.

Placing your bets based on these odds could offer a strategic approach to potential outcomes.

CD Guadalajara Team Analysis

CD Guadalajara Recent Performance:

CD Guadalajara’s recent run of form has been inconsistent, garnering two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. They have been involved in high-scoring encounters, averaging 2.40 goals per game but have struggled at the back, failing to keep a clean sheet in these fixtures.

Their recent results include a thrilling 3-3 draw against Tijuana and a 1-2 loss at home to FC Juarez. Despite their offensive capabilities, the defensive frailties remain a concern for manager Gabriel Milito.

Considering their 16th-place standing with just 4 points, they must tighten up at the back to climb the table. Their upcoming match against Cruz Azul, who are in red-hot form, will be a true test of their resilience and tactical adjustments.

CD Guadalajara Key Players

Armando Gonzalez is the standout performer for CD Guadalajara, having netted 3 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial if Guadalajara hopes to upset Cruz Azul. Watch out for Efrain Álvarez as well, whose creativity in the midfield offers a spark for their attack.

With a probable lineup featuring:

• Goalkeeper: José Raúl Rangel
• Defenders: Gilberto Sepulveda, Diego Campillo, Miguel Tapias
• Midfielders: Alan Mozo, Luis Francisco Romo, Erick Gutierrez, Bryan Gonzalez
• Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Efrain Álvarez, Armando Gonzalez

The connection between Gonzalez and Álvarez will be pivotal. However, they must brace themselves for tough encounters against Cruz Azul’s strong defensive line, including stalwarts like Jesus Orozco and Willer Ditta.

CD Guadalajara Suspensions & Injuries

CD Guadalajara faces significant challenges due to injuries plaguing key players. Leonardo Sepúlveda and Javier Hernandez are doubtful with an ankle and calf injury, respectively. Omar Govea is expected to return only by early December 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Daniel Aguirre and Alan Pulido are doubtful for this match, further stressing the team’s already thin lineup. José Castillo also remains sidelined with a calf injury.

The absence of these players could heavily impact Guadalajara’s performance, especially in defensive stability and attacking depth. Their inability to field a full-strength squad might leave them vulnerable against a high-flying Cruz Azul side. Manager Gabriel Milito will need to creatively resolve these gaps to mount any significant challenge.

CD Guadalajara Tactics and Formation

CD Guadalajara typically lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under coach Gabriel Milito. This setup aims to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair.

CD Guadalajara Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Armando Gonzalez
• Midfield Duo: Luis Francisco Romo, Erick Gutierrez
• Defensive Setup: Utilizes three center-backs: Gilberto Sepulveda, Diego Campillo, and Miguel Tapias.
• Strategic Focus: The team often scores most of their goals in the 76-90 minute interval, reflecting their late-game pressing and stamina.

Given their recent performances, expect Guadalajara to focus on their attacking play, led by Gonzalez. However, they must shore up defensively as they have yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. This balance will be vital against a formidable Cruz Azul side.

Cruz Azul Team Analysis

Cruz Azul Recent Performance:

Cruz Azul have been in scintillating form, winning all of their last five fixtures. This impressive run has seen them scoring an average of 4.40 goals per game, demonstrating their attacking prowess. A key highlight was their recent 3-2 victory over Santos Laguna.

Defensively, Cruz Azul have kept one clean sheet in their last five matches but this hasn’t hindered their performances. Their ability to score regularly has compensated for occasional lapses at the back.

With 14 points on the board, thanks to the leadership of coach Nicolás Larcamón, Cruz Azul sit comfortably in 3rd place. This consistent high-level performance will make them formidable opponents for CD Guadalajara.

Cruz Azul Key Players

Angel Sepulveda is the standout player for Cruz Azul, currently leading the team’s scoring charts with 5 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to position himself perfectly in the box make him a constant threat to any defense. Furthermore, Ignacio Rivero and José Antonio Paradela have been influential in the final third, providing crucial assists and goal-scoring opportunities.

Expected lineup for Cruz Azul:

• Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier
• Defenders: Gonzalo Piovi, Jesus Orozco, Willer Ditta
• Midfielders: Jorge Sanchez, Erik Lira, Carlos Rodriguez, Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi
• Forwards: José Antonio Paradela, Ignacio Rivero, Angel Sepulveda

The battle between Sepulveda and CD Guadalajara’s defensive duo Gilberto Sepulveda and Diego Campillo will be a key individual contest to watch.

Cruz Azul Suspensions & Injuries

Cruz Azul is fortunate to have a nearly full-strength squad heading into this match against CD Guadalajara. The only notable absentee is Andrés Montaño, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected to return until late January 2026. His absence might reduce some depth options, but it has not hindered Cruz Azul’s incredible form of late.

Having a largely injury-free roster allows Coach Nicolás Larcamón to field his strongest XI, an advantage that could be crucial in maintaining their excellent run and securing another victory. This full complement of players undoubtedly gives Cruz Azul an edge over their injury-hit opponents.

Cruz Azul Tactics and Formation

Cruz Azul, under the guidance of Nicolás Larcamón, typically employs a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation. This tactical setup allows for both robust defensive coverage and explosive attacking options.

Cruz Azul Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Angel Sepulveda
• Midfield Core: Erik Lira, Carlos Rodriguez
• Defensive Strategy: Utilizes a back three of Gonzalo Piovi, Jesus Orozco, Willer Ditta to build attacks from the back and maintain a solid defensive shape.
• Strategic Focus: High pressing and quick transitions, particularly effective in the final third.

Their dynamic formation has allowed them to maintain a high goal-scoring average of 4.40 goals per game in their last five matches. Expect Cruz Azul to push forward aggressively while maintaining defensive rigidity, making them formidable opponents for CD Guadalajara.

CD Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul Head-to-Head Statistics

When examining the last five encounters between CD Guadalajara and Cruz Azul, we can see that Cruz Azul has had the upper hand. They have won three of the last five matches, including a narrow 1-0 win on March 30, 2025.

The past results are as follows:

• 2025-03-30: CD Guadalajara 0-1 Cruz Azul
• 2024-09-22: Cruz Azul 1-0 CD Guadalajara
• 2024-03-03: Cruz Azul 3-0 CD Guadalajara
• 2023-11-05: CD Guadalajara 1-0 Cruz Azul
• 2023-04-23: CD Guadalajara 2-1 Cruz Azul

Key points:

• Cruz Azul has scored first in 75% of the last five encounters, highlighting their strong starts.
• CD Guadalajara has managed only two wins in these matchups, indicating their struggles against Cruz Azul.

These historical performances set the stage for an intriguing clash, with Cruz Azul looking to continue their dominance.

Odds accurate as of 29.08.2025 02:00, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.