Necaxa come into this one with a spring in their step. They've been grinding through the Leagues Cup, taking on MLS sides like Philadelphia and NYCFC, and they've looked stubborn. That 5-3-2 shape they used against NYCFC tells you everything about their mindset — they're happy to sit in, absorb pressure, and hit you on the break. Julian Carranza is the man doing the damage. Three goals from 225 minutes, nine shots, five on target — that's a striker in form, a real focal point. He's the kind of forward who thrives when the game gets stretched, and Necaxa's whole approach is built around getting him the ball in dangerous spots.

Leon, on the other hand, are the great unknown. No recent results to lean on, no clear momentum. They're expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, which suggests they'll want to control the game, but there's nothing in the brief to suggest they're flying. Away from home in the Apertura, against a Necaxa side that's been battle-hardened by the Leagues Cup, that's a worry. Necaxa have shown improved performances over their recent games — that's the kind of phrase that should make you sit up. They're not flashy, but they're effective. They made life miserable for Inter Miami last year, and they'll be planning to do the same to Leon.