90min
·4 August 2024
90min
·4 August 2024
Reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca take on Toronto FC in Leagues Cup group stage play this weekend.
Pachuca are coming off a 1-1 (5-4 on penalties) victory over MLS outfit New York Red Bulls in their first Leagues Cup fixture of the summer. The Liga MX club have one foot in the door of the Round of 32 and will hope to secure three points against Toronto to seal qualification to the knockout stage.
Toronto were also victorious over RBNY 0-0 (5-4 on penalties) in their first Leagues Cup match this summer. As all three teams in East Group 6 are on two points with Red Bulls having played two matches, a draw during 90 minutes would be enough for both Toronto and Pachuca to advance to the knockout stage but with seeding at stake, both sides will try to settle the match inside regulation.
Pachuca have no fresh injuries to report on, meaning head coach Guillermo Almada should have his full squad available for selection.
Pachuca predicted lineup vs Toronto FC (4-2-3-1 ): Moreno; Rodriguez, Cabral, Barreto, Bryan Gonzalez; Arturo Gonzalez, Deossa; Owen Gonzalez, Bautista, Idrissi; Rondon.
Alonso Coello is recovering from a thigh injury / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto boss John Herdman will be without the likes of Tyrese Spicer, who's dealing with a back problem, and Alonso Coello, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury. Both players are expected to return to the mix by mid-August.
Toronto FC predicted lineup vs Pachuca (3-4-2-1): Johnson; Gomis, Long, O'Neill; Bernardeschi, Osorio, Flores, Laryea; Etienne, Insigne; Owusu.
Toronto have a chance at stealing all three points vs Pachuca with the likes of Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne as the difference makers, but Pachuca have too much quality all over the pitch to be knockout out of Leagues Cup at the group stage.
The Liga MX outfit will prevail 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Jose Salomon Rondon to progress to the Leagues Cup Round of 32.
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