Universitario de Deportes vs. Cusco FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 28 September 2025

The top two teams in the Primera Division, Universitario de Deportes and Cusco FC, are set for a thrilling clash on 28 September 2025. With only two points separating them, this battle could significantly impact the standings. Universitario, sitting at the summit with 21 points, are the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.37 to win. Their strong form with three wins and two draws in their last five matches underscores their dominance. Alex Valera, with five goals this season, will be key for them. Cusco FC, currently second with 19 points, have shown remarkable consistency, especially away from home, where they haven’t lost in eight consecutive matches. Our match tip favours a home win for Universitario, given their superior positioning and impressive recent performances. Don’t miss this high-stakes encounter that promises to be a significant chapter in the season’s narrative.

Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Reasoning: Universitario de Deportes is currently leading the league and is unbeaten in their last five matches (3 Wins, 2 Draws). They have a strong home record and have shown consistency in both scoring and defending, with 53 goals scored and only 18 conceded this season. Additionally, they have kept clean sheets in 44% of their matches. Despite Cusco FC’s good form, Universitario’s superior league standing, recent performances, and home advantage make them the favorites to secure a win in this matchup.

Key Points:

• Universitario de Deportes have been impeccably strong at home, scoring and defending solidly all season.
• Cusco FC have shown good away form but face a challenge in Universitario’s corral.
• Given their league-leading position and unbeaten streak, Universitario boasts the upper hand in this high-stakes encounter.

Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC Odds

This top-of-the-table clash between Universitario de Deportes and Cusco FC has garnered significant attention, reflected in the bookmaker odds favoring Universitario. As the current league leaders, Universitario are granted odds of 1.37 for a win, showcasing their superior positioning and form.

With eight consecutive away matches without a loss for Cusco FC, their odds at 7.46 highlight the challenge they face against the formidable home side. A draw, which stands at 4.30, might be a worthwhile consideration given both teams’ solid defensive records. These odds provide various betting opportunities for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Let’s break this down further:

• Universitario’s dominance at home makes them a strong favourite with low odds of 1.37.
• Cusco FC’s consistent away form makes 7.46 odds intriguing for those fancying underdog wins.
• The draw at 4.30 represents a balanced option considering both teams’ defensive solidity.

Universitario de Deportes Team Analysis

Recent Performance: DDDWW

Universitario de Deportes have been showcasing their resilience and consistency in recent matches. With three draws and two consecutive wins, their recent form is represented as DDDWW.

• Last 5 Matches:
• CD UT Cajamarca 1 – 2 Universitario de Deportes (Win) – 21 Sep 2025
• FBC Melgar 1 – 2 Universitario de Deportes (Win) – 14 Sep 2025
• Universitario de Deportes 0 – 0 Alianza Lima (Draw) – 24 Aug 2025
• Palmeiras 0 – 0 Universitario de Deportes (Draw) – 22 Aug 2025
• Sport Huancayo 1 – 1 Universitario de Deportes (Draw) – 17 Aug 2025

Despite scoring just once on average over the last five games, Universitario has leveraged a solid defense, achieving two clean sheets. Their disciplined approach to keeping the goals out has been critical, with an average of just 0.7 goals conceded per match over the season. As the current league leaders, their solid form and home advantage make them a formidable opponent in this upcoming clash against Cusco FC.

Universitario de Deportes Key Players

Universitario de Deportes’ charge at the top of the table has been spearheaded by key players who have stood tall throughout the season.

• Alex Valera, the home team’s top scorer with five goals, will be pivotal in breaking down a resolute Cusco FC defense. Valera’s attacking prowess is matched strategically with the midfield playmaking ability of Martin Perez Guedes, who provides crucial assists and creativity from the middle of the park.
• Defensively, Williams Riveros and Andy Polo have been instrumental, contributing to the team’s solid record of two clean sheets in their last five games. This defensive fortitude will be essential in countering Cusco FC’s attacking threats, notably their top scorer, Facundo Callejo, in what looks to be an intriguing individual battle.

Expected lineup for Universitario de Deportes:

• Goalkeeper: Sebastian Britos
• Defenders: Aldo Corzo, Williams Riveros, Andy Polo, Matias Di Benedetto, José Joel Carabalí
• Midfielders: Jesus Castillo, Martin Perez Guedes, Jairo Concha
• Attackers: Jairo Velez, Alex Valera

Universitario de Deportes Suspensions & Injuries

Universitario de Deportes have a relatively clean bill of health heading into their high-stakes clash against Cusco FC. However, one notable absence could be midfielder Rodrigo Ureña, who is doubtful due to a calf injury. Ureña’s potential unavailability might impact Universitario’s midfield stability and ball distribution, particularly given his ability to break up opposition play and initiate counter-attacks. Apart from that, there are no suspensions to worry about, allowing coach Jorge Fossati to field a near-full strength lineup. This continuity could be crucial in maintaining their solid recent form and robust defense, vital against a strong Cusco FC side.

Universitario de Deportes Tactics and Formation

Universitario de Deportes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Alex Valera
• Midfield Trio: Jesus Castillo, Martin Perez Guedes, Jairo Concha
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.

Under head coach Jorge Fossati, Universitario has been utilizing a defensive 5-3-2 formation. This setup provides solid coverage at the back while allowing wing-backs Aldo Corzo and José Joel Carabalí to support attacks.

Key Strategies:

• Defensive Solidity: With two clean sheets in their last five games and an average of 0.7 goals conceded this season, a strong defensive base has been pivotal.
• Counter-Attacks: Utilizing the pace of their wing-backs and forwards like Alex Valera, they can quickly transition from defense to attack.
• Midfield Control: The trio of Castillo, Guedes, and Concha offers a balanced mix of defensive cover and playmaking ability, vital for controlling the game’s tempo against Cusco FC.

Cusco FC Team Analysis

Recent Performance: WDWWL

Cusco FC have experienced a solid run of form, evidenced by three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. This recent form can be summarized as WDWWL.

• Last 5 Matches:
• Cusco FC 0 – 2 Asociacion Deportiva Tarma (Loss) – 23 Sep 2025
• Ayacucho FC 0 – 1 Cusco FC (Win) – 18 Sep 2025
• Cusco FC 3 – 2 Sporting Cristal (Win) – 14 Sep 2025
• ADC Juan Pablo II 0 – 0 Cusco FC (Draw) – 22 Aug 2025
• Cusco FC 1 – 0 Alianza Atletico (Win) – 17 Aug 2025

Key Points:

• Defensive Solidity: Notably, they have kept three clean sheets in their last five games, reflecting their defensive discipline.
• Average Goals: Both home and away, they average 1 goal per game in their last five matches.
• Away Resilience: Impressively, they are unbeaten in their last eight away matches, making them a formidable opponent on the road.

This solid run of form, coupled with a remarkable away record, sets the stage for a competitive encounter against the league leaders, Universitario de Deportes.

Cusco FC Key Players

Cusco FC’s campaign has been strongly influenced by key players who have been consistent throughout the season.

• Facundo Julián Callejo, their top scorer with six goals, is expected to continue leading the attacking front against Universitario. His knack for finding the back of the net will be crucial in breaking through the solid Universitario defense.
• In midfield, Oswaldo Valenzuela offers a blend of defensive cover and distribution, positioning himself as a key figure in controlling the game’s tempo.
• Defensively, Carlos Gamarra and Alvaro Ampuero have been steadfast, contributing significantly to the team’s three clean sheets in the last five matches. Their performance will be vital in thwarting attacks from the likes of Alex Valera.

Expected lineup for Cusco FC:

• Goalkeeper: Pedro Diaz
• Defenders: Aldair Fuentes, Carlos Gamarra, Alvaro Ampuero
• Midfielders: Oswaldo Valenzuela, Marlon Ruidias, Lucas Colitto, Ivan Colman, Carlo Diez
• Attackers: Pierre da Silva, Facundo Julián Callejo

Cusco FC Suspensions & Injuries

Ahead of their crucial match against Universitario de Deportes, Cusco FC have the advantage of a fully fit squad. There are no reported injuries or suspensions, which means coach Miguel Rondelli can field his strongest XI without any forced changes. Having all key players available boosts their chances of maintaining their unbeaten away record in this tournament. The full squad availability also allows for tactical flexibility and options off the bench, which could play a vital role in their strategy to counter Universitario’s strengths.

Cusco FC Tactics and Formation

Cusco FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-2-4-1
• Key Forward: Facundo Julián Callejo
• Midfield Engine: Oswaldo Valenzuela, Marlon Ruidias
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.

Under the guidance of coach Miguel Rondelli, Cusco FC employs a dynamic 3-2-4-1 formation. This strategy balances defensive solidity with an attacking edge, providing a robust backbone at the back while allowing the midfield and wings to push forward effectively.

Key Strategies:

• Defensive Resilience: Cusco FC’s three clean sheets in their last five games highlight their defensive prowess, crucial in stymying Universitario’s attacks.
• Midfield Control: The duo of Valenzuela and Ruidias provides a strong defensive shield and is pivotal in transitioning from defense to attack.
• Attacking Contribution: With Callejo leading the line supported by a creative midfield, Cusco FC can mount swift and effective counter-attacks, posing a significant threat to Universitario’s defense.

Universitario de Deportes vs Cusco FC Head-to-Head Statistics

When it comes to the last five encounters between Universitario de Deportes and Cusco FC, the matches have been closely fought, with Universitario holding a slight edge.

• Recent Head-to-Head Results:
• 2025-05-03: Cusco FC 2 – 0 Universitario de Deportes
• 2024-08-20: Cusco FC 1 – 1 Universitario de Deportes
• 2024-03-13: Universitario de Deportes 1 – 0 Cusco FC
• 2023-10-22: Cusco FC 1 – 1 Universitario de Deportes
• 2023-06-03: Universitario de Deportes 1 – 0 Cusco FC

Universitario have managed to secure two wins, with Cusco FC winning just once, and two matches ending in a draw. One key stat is that less than 2.5 goals have been scored in 71% of these encounters, indicating a trend towards tight, low-scoring affairs. The upcoming match promises to be another intense battle, with both teams eager to establish dominance and garner crucial points in the season’s narrative.

Odds accurate as of 26.09.2025 00:03, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.