Santos Lagunavs.Pumas

The Warriors suffered a narrow defeat in their season opener last time out, whilst the Gold and Blues sealed a handsome success on home soil.

Match preview

Following a six-game winless run at the end of last season, a spell which yielded just two points in the process, Santos Laguna were unable to turn their fortunes around in the first game of the Liga MX Apertura campaign, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at the home of Puebla.

It looked as if the hosts and the Warriors would be sharing the points on the opening day of the fresh term, however there was set to be late drama for the supporters at Estadio Cuauhtemoc, with Lucas Cavallini holding his nerve from 12 yards out to hit a 96th-minute winner.

After the first round of the matches in the season, Santos sit second bottom of the Liga MX standings, with only Leon suffering a heavier defeat than the Warriors from their first matchup, although the makeup of the league table means very little at this stage of the year.

The Warriors have made a number of exciting additions to their squad in recent weeks as they fight for the Mexican crown this season, including the arrival of former Birmingham City man Fran Villalba, who has moved to North America from Spanish side Sporting Gijon on a free transfer.

Similar to Saturday's hosts Santos, Pumas concluded last season on a poor run of form - failing to win either of their last two matches - however they were able to commence the Apertura schedule in sensational fashion last weekend, when they put a sorry Leon side to the sword.

A brace from Jorge Ruvalcaba, alongside an own goal from Luis Cervantes and a strike from Guillermo Martinez secured a comfortable 4-1 success for the Gold and Blues, who did a remarkable job in impressing the Estadio Olimpico Universitario crowd during their first match of the term.

Out of the seven teams who enjoyed opening-day victories, Pumas were the only outfit to win their respective fixture by more than a single goal, meaning that Saturday's visitors are the early pacesetters at the summit of the Liga MX Apertura standings.

The Gold and Blues have made a significant signing from La Liga earlier this week, with left-back Ruben Duarte making the switch from Deportivo Alaves for a fee in the region of £3.4m, representing a huge bit of business from Gustavo Lema's troops.

Santos Laguna Liga MX form:

Pumas Liga MX form:

Team News

Santos Laguna remain without the services of centre-back Hugo Rodriguez, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained at the beginning of the month.

The Warriors are also short of options in the middle of the park, with Peruvian Pedro Aquino nursing his own knee issue that he picked up in March.

The centre of defence is a real weakness for the hosts currently, especially considering the absence of 27-year-old Ronaldo Prieto.

Pumas are also without a key man from their backline, with the cruciate ligament injury of Jose Galindo leaving a massive hole to fill at right-back.

Youngster Jesus Rivas started in that role last time out and provided an assist, meaning that the 21-year-old is set to keep his starting berth this weekend.

Santos Laguna possible starting lineup:

Holguin; Govea, Nunez, Amione, Echeverria; Mariscal, Cervantes, Medina, Carrillo, Sordo; Macias

Pumas possible starting lineup:

Gonzalez; J Rivas, Bennevendo, Magallan, Ramirez; Caicedo, Suarez, U Rivas, Ruvalcaba, Huerta; Mori

We say: Santos Laguna 1-1 Pumas

After suffering a narrow defeat in their first match, Santos will be desperate to put on a good performance and earn a win in their first home match of the season.

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