Atletico de San Luis vs. Tigres UANL Odds, Prediction, Picks

WSN

23 January 2024

Atletico de San Luis vs. Tigres UANL Odds, Prediction, Picks

Atletico de San Luis vs. Tigres UANL Predictions

After reaching the semifinals of the Apertura 2023 playoffs, confidence has reached a new high for Atletico de San Luis. The club will not be a title contender, but it does have the potential to be a giant slayer. After starting the Clausura 2024 season with a 1-0 away win against Mazatlan, San Luis nabbed a stunning 3-1 win over fellow semi-finalists Pumas UNAM.

While Club America eliminated San Luis in the semifinals, Tigres UANL ended Pumas’ journey at the same stage in the other semifinal. However, the club was left frustrated as they fell against Club America in the Apertura 2023 playoff final. This season, Tigres have not hit their stride yet but still managed to secure narrow wins against Club Leon and Chivas Guadalajara.

Both sides have gotten off to a perfect start this season, but the perfect run of one will come to an end in the next game. Although the possibility of a draw is quite high, Tigres possess the drive to win the encounter. San Luis will only chase a playoff spot this Clausura season, while Tigres will aim for the title.

After getting promoted to the top division of Mexican club football, San Luis have faced Tigres nine times in the league, and they are yet to defeat the eight-time Liga MX champions. Tigres have won four matches, while the other five have ended in draws.

In the Apertura 2023 season, Andre Pierre Gignac scored the opening goal against San Luis in the 58th minute before Vitinho canceled it out in the 86th minute. There was late drama at both ends as Nicolas Ibanez scored in the 91st minute before Dieter Villalpando restored parity for San Luis in the 96th minute.

The last time these two clubs locked horns in San Luis’ backyard was in the Apertura 2022 season. Gignac was amongst the goals again as he nabbed a brace, while Francisco Cordova also got his name on the scoresheet as the visitors waltzed away with a 3-0 win.

Atletico de San Luis Will Try to Touch New Heights

In the Apertura 2023 season, San Luis started well and were leading the table at one point. However, a lack of consistency brought them down and eventually halted them just outside the playoff spots. The new format, however, granted San Luis a play-in spot.

Taking a tougher road, San Luis reached the Liguilla semifinals for the first time in their history. This season, the club will be eager to repeat the feat. Only this time, the primary objective will be to finish in the playoff spots and not take the longer route via the play-in fixtures.

Brazilian Forward Bounces Back After Facing Flak

San Luis faced many concerns last season, and the majority of them originated in the final third, as their strikers were misfiring. Brazilian striker Leo scored only five goals in 21 appearances last season and was the club’s second-highest scorer.

The club still kept faith in the player, and he has finally started to repay them for it after scoring in both games this season. As San Luis have sent Jhon Murillo out on loan, the goalscoring responsibility will solely be on Leo and his compatriot Vitinho, who scored seven last season.

A Tough Set of Fixtures

While the primary focus of head coach Gustavo Leal and his men will be on Tigres, they will also be concerned about their away game against CF Monterrey just three days after the next match.

Squad rotation will be extremely important as San Luis try to dodge injuries while being tested by two title contenders in quick succession.

Tigres UANL Yet to Hit Their Stride

A loss at the penultimate stage of the Apertura 2023 playoffs has certainly hurt Tigres. However, the team will learn from it and chase the title again this season. The club has already won both their games but failed to stamp their authority in either match.

Tigres had to come from behind to beat Leon 2-1 in their opening fixture of the season and then started their home campaign with a slender 1-0 win against Chivas. The eight-time Liga MX champions are yet to score a goal in the first half this season.

Midfielder Has Already Surpassed Apertura Goal Tally

Francisco Cordova registered four assists and scored one goal in 18 appearances for Tigres last season, carrying his poor form from the Clausura 2023 season.

However, in a much more competitive and creative Tigres midfield, Cordova has stepped up his game and has scored two goals in two games already. It is crucial for the 26-year-old to maintain this form because if he does not, Tigres have plenty of options in the middle third.

Away Performance Needs Improvement

In eight away games in the Apertura 2023 regular season, Tigres only managed to win three. They lost as many and drew two, collecting 11 points from a possible 24.

At home, they remained unbeaten, winning five and drawing four of the nine home games. Their performance on the road will require a drastic improvement if Tigres want to chase the title this season.