- Universitario de Deportes are unbeaten in their last 5 (W2, D3) after a 2-1 win in the Clausura.
- Cusco FC have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5, with an away record (W1, D1, L3).
- Cusco FC have scored just 0.80 goals per game on the road.
Universitario more compact and disciplined under new coach
Universitario de Deportes have looked a much more compact and better-disciplined unit since the start of the Clausura, so the odds-on favorite comes into Saturday's home game against Cusco FC as the correct wager in this Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC preview.
U, currently at 1.37, are unbeaten in their last five games after a 2-1 away win over ADT in the Clausura was followed by a 2-1 home victory over Sport Huancayo in the Apertura. They have also registered a 0-0 draw with Deportes Tolima in Group B of the Copa Libertadores that suggests the manager is making progress in installing his defensive structure.
Héctor Cúper's men are more of a shape-first team that will try to smother Cusco's transition game, whereas Javier Rabanal has the visitors playing a pragmatic, counter-punching style with quick wing attacks and compact mid-block work. It's a clear contrast in styles that should suit Universitario more as their midfield structure will give them better control, which is why Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC prediction leans toward the hosts.
Cusco can be a handful in transition
Cusco will try to force the issue and take their chances when the gaps open up, but they average just 0.80 goals on the road across all competitions. Universitario have a 2-1-1 home record, so we are on the edge of a home win here and the Under 2.5 market, which is priced at 2.0, looks like a play that should land.
Both Teams to Score: No looks good at 1.7, but our preferred play is for a narrow home win at 1.37 because Universitario are the team in better form and have the structure to make things tough for Cusco, making Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC betting tips point toward the underdog staying contained.
But Universitario look the more likely to snag the 3 points and we are giving them a narrow vote. Alex Valera is their main goal threat with two in his last five appearances and one in one Liga 1 Clausura game, so Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC prediction still favors a controlled home victory.
