Universitario de Deportes vs. Sporting Cristal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 23 May 2025 - bettingexpert
This Friday, Universitario de Deportes will host Sporting Cristal in a crucial Primera Division clash. As the league standings currently place Universitario in 3rd position with 23 points and Sporting Cristal trailing closely behind in 5th place with 22 points, this match could significantly affect the season’s outcome. Expect a fierce competition as both teams aim to secure vital points.
Universitario, despite recent struggles, are slightly favoured by bookmakers with odds at 1.80 for a home win. Sporting Cristal, however, are in solid form, boasting four wins in their last five games. Based on this, betting on Sporting Cristal with a draw-no-bet option appears promising.
Shaping the narrative further, Universitario have had fewer clean sheets recently, while Sporting Cristal have showcased a potent attack, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches. Both teams have vulnerabilities, especially during the 31-45 minute window, making this an intriguing match to watch.
Stay tuned for an intense and competitive match!
Universitario de Deportes vs Sporting Cristal Prediction & Betting Tip
With both teams closely matched in the league standings, this encounter promises to be an exciting one. Despite Universitario being the bookmakers’ favourite, Sporting Cristal’s recent form makes them a strong contender for at least a draw. Based on the provided match tips and facts, our recommended bet is:
| Universitario de Deportes vs Sporting Cristal Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Sporting Cristal Draw No Bet | 4.10 |
- Sporting Cristal have only lost one of their last five matches.
- Universitario has only one win in their last five games, struggling to find consistent form.
- Sporting Cristal’s attack has been potent, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches.
Expect a thrilling and competitive match!
Universitario de Deportes vs Sporting Cristal Odds
The upcoming clash between Universitario de Deportes and Sporting Cristal is expected to be a nail-biter, with the home team slightly favored by the bookmakers.
| Universitario de Deportes vs Sporting Cristal Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Universitario de Deportes | 1.80 |
| Draw | 3.42 |
| Sporting Cristal | 4.10 |
Universitario de Deportes is the bookmaker’s favorite, partly owing to their home-ground advantage and their higher position in the league standings. However, Sporting Cristal’s excellent recent form makes them a compelling underdog. Sporting Cristal has averaged 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches, whereas Universitario struggles with just 0.40 goals on average.
Given these dynamics, there’s potential value in betting on Sporting Cristal, especially considering their potent attack and recent winning run.
Universitario de Deportes Team Analysis
Universitario de Deportes Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADC Juan Pablo II | Universitario de Deportes | 2025-05-18 | Primera Division Apertura | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Universitario de Deportes | Barcelona SC | 2025-05-15 | Copa Libertadores Grp. B | 1-0 (Win) |
| Universitario de Deportes | Alianza Atletico | 2025-05-11 | Primera Division Apertura | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Universitario de Deportes | Independiente del Valle | 2025-05-09 | Copa Libertadores Grp. B | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Cusco FC | Universitario de Deportes | 2025-05-03 | Primera Division Apertura | 0-2 (Loss) |
Despite being third in the standings, Universitario de Deportes has had a rough patch recently with only one win and one draw in their last five games (Recent Form: LWLDL).
From their last five outings, Universitario has managed only one clean sheet and scored an average of just 0.40 goals per match. This string of results indicates that while their defense has been somewhat stable, their attacking play needs significant improvement to get back on winning terms.
With Jorge Fossati at the helm, the team will be looking to leverage their home advantage to secure a positive result against Sporting Cristal.
Universitario de Deportes Key Players
Universitario de Deportes will rely heavily on their top scorer, Jose Rivera, who has netted five goals this season. Rivera’s ability to find the back of the net will be crucial in their attacking strategies against a solid Sporting Cristal defense.
Another significant player to watch is Edison Flores, a forward who brings creativity and flair to the frontline. His ability to link up with Alex Valera could create essential scoring opportunities.
Expected lineup for Universitario de Deportes:
- Goalkeeper: Sebastian Britos
- Defenders: Andy Polo, Aldo Corzo, Williams Riveros, Matias Di Benedetto, Cesar Inga
- Midfielders: Martin Perez Guedes, Jorge Murrugarra, José Joel Carabalí
- Forwards: Alex Valera, Edison Flores
Key individual battles will include Rivera against Cristal’s center-back duo, Franco Romero and Fabrizio Lora.
Universitario de Deportes Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Horacio Martin Calcaterra | Knock injury | Late May 2025 |
Horacio Martin Calcaterra’s absence due to a knock injury could impact Universitario de Deportes’ midfield stability. Ensuring tight defensive coverage will be crucial against Sporting Cristal’s potent attack.
Given that Calcaterra’s expected return is estimated for late May, it’s unlikely he’ll feature in this crucial match, which may force coach Jorge Fossati to rely on alternate midfield options.
Universitario de Deportes Tactics and Formation
Universitario de Deportes Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 5-3-2
- Key Forward: Edison Flores
- Midfield Trio: Martin Perez Guedes, Jorge Murrugarra, Jose Joel Carabalí
- Defensive Strength: Tight back five with one clean sheet in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Focus on securing a solid defensive shape and counter-attacking
The formation indicates a defensive approach with a solid back five designed to absorb pressure and thwart Sporting Cristal’s attacking advances. With Jorge Murrugarra at the heart of midfield, expect Universitario to transition quickly from defense to attack, leveraging the pace and skill of forwards Edison Flores and Alex Valera. Keeping compact and organized will be pivotal, especially given their recent struggles to keep clean sheets.
Sporting Cristal Team Analysis
Sporting Cristal Recent Performance
Sporting Cristal is coming into this match in outstanding form, having won four of their last five games. Compared to Universitario de Deportes, Sporting Cristal appears to have the upper hand based on recent performances.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Cristal | ADC Juan Pablo II | 2025-04-28 | Primera Division Apertura | 3-2 (Win) |
| Sporting Cristal | Bolívar | 2025-05-08 | Copa Libertadores Grp. G | 2-1 (Win) |
| Ayacucho FC | Sporting Cristal | 2025-05-10 | Primera Division Apertura | 1-4 (Win) |
| Sporting Cristal | Cerro Porteño | 2025-05-14 | Copa Libertadores Grp. G | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Sporting Cristal | Asociación Deportiva Tarma | 2025-05-17 | Primera Division Apertura | 2-1 (Win) |
Recent form indicates Sporting Cristal has been efficient in front of goal, averaging 2.2 goals per game in their last five matches, though they’ve failed to keep a single clean sheet during this period.
Sporting Cristal is clearly riding a high, but defensively, they might be susceptible to conceding, given their recent inability to secure clean sheets. Both teams will need to be wary of allowing goals during the critical intervals of 16-30 and 31-45 minutes.
Sporting Cristal Key Players
Expected lineup for Sporting Cristal:
- Goalkeeper: Diego Enriquez
- Defenders: Nicolas Pasquini, Franco Romero, Fabrizio Lora, Rafael Lutiger
- Midfielders: Jesús Pretell, Gerald Martín Távara, Christofer Gonzales
- Forwards: Ian Wisdom, Martin Cauteruccio, Fernando Pacheco
Key players for this fixture include Martin Cauteruccio, who is tied as the team’s top scorer with 5 goals. His matchup against Universitario’s solid central defense, led by Williams Riveros, will be critical.
In midfield, Christofer Gonzales will be pivotal in linking play and creating opportunities against a structured Universitario setup. Jesús Pretell’s role as a defensive midfielder will be crucial in breaking up opposition attacks.
Cauteruccio and Gonzales’ performances are key to unlocking the Universitario rearguard.
Sporting Cristal Suspensions & Injuries
Sporting Cristal has a challenging list of injuries that could impact their performance in the upcoming match:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Jhosimar Yotun | Cruciate ligament injury | Unknown |
| Gustavo Cazonatti | Ligament injury | Late May 2025 |
| Luis Iberico | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Santiago Gonzalez | Muscle injury | Late May 2025 |
| Renato Solis | Muscle injury | Early June 2025 |
| Misael Sosa | Sprained ankle | Mid June 2025 |
| Leandro Sosa | Tendon injury | Early July 2025 |
This extensive injury list includes key players like Jhosimar Yotun, whose absence in midfield may weaken their control in that area.
The fitness concerns around Luis Iberico and Santiago Gonzalez are particularly pressing. Their doubtful status impacts depth and versatility, particularly in attack.
With several players recovering from extended injuries, team dynamics and match fitness could be critical factors in this fixture.
Sporting Cristal Tactics and Formation
Sporting Cristal’s Tactical Breakdown:
-
Formation: 4-3-3
Paulo Autuori’s side is expected to stick with their tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation. This setup has brought them solid attacking returns, with an average of 2.20 goals scored in their last five games. -
Key Forward: Martin Cauteruccio
Cauteruccio, Sporting Cristal’s top scorer, will be leading the line and is essential for converting chances into goals. His presence up front is always a threat to the opposition. -
Midfield Trio: Jesus Pretel, Gerald Távara, Christofer Gonzales
This trio is pivotal for both ball control and creating scoring opportunities. Pretel provides defensive stability, while Távara and Gonzales offer creativity and drive. -
Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
-
Notable Strategy: Focused attack between the 31-45-minute intervals.
This period is critical for Sporting Cristal, as they tend to concede, but also look to surprise defenses with quick counter-attacks.
Overall, their dynamic formation and strategic emphasis on key periods of the game can challenge Universitario de Deportes significantly.
Universitario de Deportes vs Sporting Cristal Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Cristal | Universitario de Deportes | 2024-10-24 | Liga 1 Clausura | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Universitario de Deportes | Sporting Cristal | 2024-05-12 | Liga 1 Apertura | 4-1 (Win) |
| Sporting Cristal | Universitario de Deportes | 2023-09-17 | Liga 1 Clausura | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Universitario de Deportes | Sporting Cristal | 2023-04-25 | Liga 1 Apertura | 2-0 (Win) |
| Sporting Cristal | Universitario de Deportes | 2022-10-09 | Liga 1 Clausura | 0-0 (Draw) |
In their last five encounters, both teams have showcased their strengths and weaknesses. Universitario de Deportes holds a slight edge with two wins, while Sporting Cristal managed only one. The other two matches ended in draws, indicating closely contested battles. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs, making this upcoming match a tricky one to predict. Expect a competitive and engaging game as they battle it out once more.
Odds accurate as of 21 May 2025 03:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
