Atlas vs Club America Predictions

Saturday’s Liga MX Clausura action sees Atlas and Club America doing battle at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara. Atlas’ home advantage and improved recent showings should make it quite an even contest.

Atlas, simply put, were absolutely dreadful over the Apertura phase of the season, taking just 11 points from 17 matches. That had them looking as one of the weakest sides in the division coming into this second half of the campaign but although it’s early days, Los Zorros are showing encouraging signs that they can put in an improved showing over the coming months.

The hosts won 2-1 in their Clausura opener at Queretaro las weekend with an impressive performance and having followed that up with another victory away to UNAM Pumas in a midweek cup clash, confidence levels are rising in their ranks. Now with a degree of momentum behind them, those taking to the pitch will be looking for another strong showing on Saturday.

That’ll not be easy however, with opening phase champions and division powerhouse Club America in town. Las Águilas were excellent throughout the Apertura, finishing 2nd in the regular standings before beating Toluca, UNAM Pumas and Cruz Azul in the play-offs to run out champions and Miguel Herrera’s troops will be gunning for the title once again in the Clausura.

Unbeaten in 17 consecutive league matches, America clearly arrive for this clash as big favourites and will be confident in taking all 3 points. Nonetheless, despite being unbeaten in 8 away matches, they’ve won just 1 of their last 5 and showings on the road towards the back end of 2018 were certainly more of the solid than spectacular variety.

Ultimately, there’s no doubting that America are the stronger of the two outfits but Atlas have something of a renewed vigour about them and could well give the visitors a run for their money. America have not played a competitive match since their play-off final win a week before Christmas and there could be some rustiness needing to be shaken off on Saturday.

As such, backing a draw really appeals in this one and at current prices, is something we’re more than happy to do. Atlas have drawn 3 of their last 5 league games, including their last 2 on home soil and with America tending to share the spoils more often than not on the road, a 1-1 draw appears on the cards.