- Striker form: Necaxa's Julian Carranza has scored 4 goals in 5 Liga MX 2026/2027 games.
- Hot streak: Puebla's Eduardo Mustre has bagged 4 goals in his last 5 appearances.
- Tactical setup: Necaxa's 3-4-3 vs Puebla's 4-2-3-1 should make for an interesting chess match.
Necaxa vs Puebla should be a close one
Necaxa are 13th in the Liga MX 2026/2027 table with 8 points from 7 games, while Puebla are 8th with 10 from 6, but that doesn't tell us much about this contest other than that the visitors have done better.
The form of the two clubs in their last 5 games doesn't suggest any clear winner either with Necaxa showing mixed results (1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats) while Puebla are also mixed with 2 wins and 3 defeats. However, the fact that La Franja lost away to Club America tells us that they can be made to look average on the road by good teams.
That said, Gerardo Espinoza has done a good job at Puebla since taking over on 1st July 2026 and his compact 4-2-3-1 has brought some structure to a team that can be stretched by opponents, particularly at the start of games.
Carranza and Mustre in the lead
Recent results and away form
Puebla beat Santos Laguna 3-2 at home in their previous game, but then fell to a 2-0 defeat at Club America and Eduardo Mustre has carried La Franja's attacking hopes with 3 goals in 6 Liga MX 2026/2027 outings.
Puebla have scored 1.25 goals per game away from home this season, conceding 1.50 per game, so their road games have been open affairs and the visitors are likely to try and open this up as well.
Necaxa's style and Carranza
But Necaxa also play a good, high-tempo game under Martín Varini, who has been in charge since 8 December 2025. His three-at-the-back system is very much geared to making use of Julian Carranza's speed up top and, while Los Rayos have a plethora of scoring options, Julian Carranza is their most lethal finisher with 4 goals in 5.
Necaxa have home field edge
Puebla have failed to win either of their last 2 away games against Necaxa, who have also won 1 and drawn 1 of their previous 2 against La Franja. There will be a clear difference between these two sides in terms of build-up control versus pressing and transition, but when the press does get broken, the game will open up.
- Necaxa have 2 wins and 2 losses at home in 2026/2027, scoring 6 goals for an average of 1.50 per 90 minutes, so they pack enough bite to hurt the home side on Saturday.
- Los Rayos will be the pick to win at Estadio Victoria because of the home field advantage and just a few ticks as favorites on the odds (2.05 to 3.3).
- The draw at 3.6 is also an option, but Both Teams to Score: Yes at 1.53 is the way to go here as a smart alternative because there is likely to be goals at both ends.
