Cruz Azul Vs. Pumas de la UNAM: Pre-Match Primer

Cruz Azul and Pumas de la UNAM have put out lineups with no surprises for their psuedo-derby match at Estadio Azul. Pumas appear to be lining up in a 3-4-3 setup. It would be a bit of a stretch to call Pumas’ wide players “wing backs.” Luis Fernando Fuentes and Javier Cortez are wingers more than they are defenders. Pumas’ defenders and defensive midfielders are good enough that those players aren’t sucked into as many defensive responsibilities as most traditional wing backs. It’s ambitious to say the least, but it worked against Pumas. It wouldn’t be stunning to see them switch into something more traditional later in the game, though. Cruz Azul will deploy their normal 4-4-2 setup with right midfielder “Chaco” Cristian Gimenez drifting into the center and playing more of a No. 10’s role than a right wing role.

Cruz Azul lineup (4-4-2): Corona ; Pinto, Cervantes, Ponce, Chavez ; Drougett, Pineda, Palau, Gimenez ; Orozco, Villa

Pumas lineup (3-4-3): A. Palacios ; Veron, M. Palacios, Velarde ; Fuentes, Castro, Augusto, Cortes ; Bravo, Palencia, Cacho

Kickoff is at 6 pm ET on Azteca America and Fox Deportes.