Antevisão da segunda jornada da fase de grupos da Taça das Ligas de 2024

The first matchday of this iteration of the 2024 Leagues Cup has passed us by, and we are not far from entering the matchday 2. The thing to note here is that none of the Mexican sides had success during the first matchday.

We are looking into the matches from Group A, Group F, Group J, and Group M, where some of the Mexican sides were waiting until this second matchday to get their first match, and it is time to see if they will be able to put up a fight.

It is required to note that the matches will be on US and Canadian fields, so even though there were designated hubs for Mexican teams to play hosts, the USA teams might have the home-field advantage.

Leagues Cup 2024 Matchday 2: San Luis vs. Montreal

Having kicked off the new campaign with a stunning comeback victory over defending champions Club America on July 7, San Luis have failed to win their subsequent three matches, picking up two draws and losing once.

Domenec Torrent will hope his side can take the positives from the stalemate against Tijuana as they turn their attention to the Leagues Cup. They will be looking to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit following their disappointing 2023 run.

On the other hand, it is all or nothing for Montreal, who will need maximum points to keep its hopes of a place in the knockout stages alive after falling to a 4-1 defeat against Orlando City in Saturday’s group opener.

Montreal are on the verge of elimination and will need no extra motivation to produce a positive showing following their humbling defeat.

While San Luis has proven tough to crack this season, we predict Montreal’s home advantage will come into play here, with the MLS side claiming all three points.

San Luis vs. Montreal Apostas Pick: Montreal

Leagues Cup 2024 Matchday 2: Pachuca vs. NY Red Bulls

Pachuca was sent back down to earth in the Mexican Liga MX as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Pumas UNAM when the sides squared off at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario on Monday.

They were dumped out of the Leagues Cup in the round of 32 as they suffered a penalty-shootout defeat against Houston Dynamo after a goalless draw with the MLS side on August 3, 2023.

New York Red Bulls, on the other hand, were denied a dream start to the 2024 Leagues Cup when they were beaten on penalties by Toronto FC. Back in the MLS, they enjoyed a solid campaign, and are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run, claiming two wins and six draws since a narrow 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on June 9.

While the New York Red Bulls have been rock-solid in the MLS, they will head into Tuesday’s showdown needing maximum points following Saturday’s loss against Toronto. Given the gulf in class and quality between the two sides, we predict the Red Bulls will bounce back in front of their home supporters and claim a comfortable victory.

Pachuca vs. NY Red Bulls Betting Pick: NY Red Bulls

Leagues Cup 2024 Matchday 2: Monterrey vs. Austin

Monterrey continued fine early-season form in Liga MX as they picked up a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Queretaro when the two sides squared off at the Estadio BBVA last Sunday.

Having picked up three wins from their four Liga MX matches, Fernando Ortiz’s men now turn their attention to the Leagues Cup. They will be looking to improve on their fourth-placed finish from last season.

In stark contrast, Austin endured a forgettable 2023 League Cup campaign as they were dumped out in the group stages after losing their two games in Group H.

However, a 3-2 victory over Pumas UNAM on Saturday morning has seen Austin kick off this year’s campaign on a positive note as they look to reach the knockout stages.

Having picked up an opening-day victory, Austin is on the cusp of progressing to the knockout stages and will need at least a draw to confirm their place. However, Monterrey has put together a solid run of results to start the new campaign, and we see them coming away with a narrow victory.

Monterrey vs. Austin Betting Pick: Monterrey

Leagues Cup 2024 Matchday 2: Minnesota vs. Necaxa

Minnesota United finally stopped the rot in the MLS as they picked up a 2-0 victory over league strugglers San Jose Earthquakes when the sides squared off at Allianz Field last Sunday.

The Loons enjoyed an impressive Leagues Cup run last season when they picked up wins over wins over Puebla, Columbus Crew, and Toluca en route to the quarterfinals before suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat against eventual runners-up Nashville.

Over in Mexico, Necaxa continues to struggle in the new Liga MX campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Club Leon when the sides squared off at the Estadio Leon last Monday.

They will head into Monday’s game without a win in any of their most recent four away matches, losing three and claiming one draw since scraping a 3-2 victory over Club Tijuana at the Estadio Caliente on April 6.

We expect Minnesota United to go all out Tuesday as they look to avoid another disappointing Leagues Cup exit. Necaxa has struggled for consistency this season, and given their form on the road, we are backing the MLS side to come away with the desired result.

Minnesota vs. Necaxa Betting Pick: Minnesot