Tigres UANL vs. Atlas FC Prediction, Picks, Odds

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Tigres UANL vs. Atlas FC Prediction, Picks, Odds

Tigres UANL vs. Atlas FC Predictions

After losing in the Apertura 2023 final, Tigres went on to avoid defeat in eight games across all competitions. During this run, they won five matches and drew three. A draw and a win came in the recent two-legged CONCACAF Champions Cup encounter against MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps. However, the successful streak came to an end last weekend when Cruz Azul defeated the eight-time Liga MX champions. Tigres will be eager to bounce back and return to winning ways in the next match.

Meanwhile, Atlas FC has a growing pile of problems. The club has only registered two league wins in eight attempts. After notching a comfortable 3-0 victory over Santos almost three weeks ago, Atlas failed to build winning momentum and suffered a 2-0 loss against Mazatlan. They held Pumas UNAM to a goalless draw before losing in a very disappointing manner against Club Leon at home last weekend. The outcome was disappointing because Leon played 80 minutes with just ten men.

Considering the recent form and outcomes, Tigres are the firm favorites to win this encounter. That is why the bookmakers have provided such contrasting odds. The hosts are wounded after their previous scrap and will be a dangerous side to face. On the other hand, Atlas has struggled to find form even when the decisions have gone in their favor. 

These two clubs have met 30 times in Liga MX since 2010. Tigres have the better record in this fixture since they have won 13 matches, leaving Atlas with only six wins in their kitty. The other 11 games have all ended in stalemates. However, none of the last five Liga MX encounters between these two clubs have ended in a draw.

When these two clubs clashed last season, Atlas were the hosts. Juan Zapata scored the opener around the hour-mark, and Jordy Caicedo doubled the hosts’ advantage just before the break. The scoreline remained unchanged till the end whistle. Atlas also hosted Tigres in the Clausura 2023 season, but in that game, Nicolas Ibanez scored the only goal of the match.

The last time Tigres hosted Atlas was during Apertura 2022. The visitors were reduced to ten men in the seventh minute after the dismissal of Camilo Vargas. Five minutes before the break, Anderson Santamaria scored an own goal to give the hosts a lead before Andre-Pierre Gignac doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time.

Tigres UANL Cannot Afford More Slip-Ups

At the start of the Clausura 2024 season, there were only three major contenders for the title – Club America, Tigres, and Monterrey. Chivas Guadalajara and Pumas UNAM were expected to vie for the fourth and final playoff qualification spot.

However, the resurgence of Cruz Azul and Pachuca has established the two teams as title contenders, and now there are about six to seven teams fighting for four spots. In this intense battle, Tigres cannot afford to drop points and must pick up all three against Atlas.

The Hosts Are Aiming To Extend Prolific Home Record

During the Clausura 2023 season in April, Tigres lost at home against Mazatlan FC. Since then, the club has played 19 Liga MX games at home and has not lost a single game.

Tigres have won ten and drawn nine of those encounters and will aim to complete a year without defeat at home. At the same time, they are favorites to extend this streak to 20 games by registering a win over Atlas.

Injuries Are Causing Concern In Defense  

A calf injury to Guido Pizarro has ruled the defender out of the game against Atlas. Meanwhile, another defender, Eduardo Tercero, will miss the match because of a suspension he picked up after receiving a straight red against Cruz Azul last weekend.

Javier Aquino has also been out for a month due to a knee injury but is expected to return to the side in a few days. The right-back’s absence has made Tigres vulnerable down that flank.

Atlas FC Need To End The Goal Drought   

Not only have Atlas failed to win any of their last three games in Liga MX, but they have also failed to score in all of them. The forwards are under massive pressure after a hattrick of blanks, and now the next two opponents are Tigres and Club America.

The club’s top scorer, Eduardo Aguirre, last suffered a nasty injury against his parent club, Santos. The striker has scored four goals in five appearances but could be sidelined for a lengthy period. Without him, Atlas are struggling to score goals, and the problem may persist for the next two games.

The Visitors Have Struggled On The Road  

Not only have Atlas lost all three of their away games this season, but they have also extended their winless streak away from home to seven games.

The club’s last away win came in September against Juarez. After that, Atlas lost six and drew one of their previous seven Liga MX games on the road.

Concerns Revolve Around Winger’s Fitness

Atlas will be without Aguirre in the next match, and to make matters worse, they could also be without Raymundo Fuglencio.

The winger, who has provided three assists in seven appearances, was substituted in the 14th minute against Leon. This will further weaken the Atlas attack.

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  • Teams: Tigres UANL vs. Atlas FC

  • Location: Estadio Universitario

  • Time: Saturday, February 24 at 8:00 pm ET

  • How to watch: Univision, Telemundo, Fox Sports, ESPN, Vix and Sling TV