Unam Pumas vs Atlas Predictions

Sunday’s Liga MX Clausura action sees UNAM Pumas doing battle with Atlas. A close game is expected to be in order with little looking like separating the sides.

Pumas performed well over the Apertura phase, defying all expectations to finish 3rd in the regular table, seeing off Tigres in the play-off quarter finals prior to being hammered 7-2 on aggregate in the semi finals to eventual winners Club America. Finishing in the top 8 once again in the Clausura would rank as good going for the side but they’ll need to improve if they are to do so.

Indeed, the hosts haven’t started 2019 in convincing fashion and there seems to be a hangover from last year’s play-off disappointment. David Patiño’s men kicked off the year with a poor 0-0 home draw with Veracruz, then lost 1-0 at home to Atlas in the cup, prior to losing once again away at Necaxa last weekend, but a 2-0 cup win at Leones Negros during the week at least has confidence somewhat restored coming into Sunday’s game.

Meanwhile, after a terrible showing in the Apertura, in which they took just 11 points from 17 matches, Atlas appear to be in improved shape and are hopeful of putting in a better second half of the season. Finishing in the top 8 looks a big ask, but Los Zorros are at least showing signs that they could potentially compete higher up the table.

The visitors started the year with an excellent 2-1 win at Queretaro and then followed that up with another win on the road in the cup, against none other than Pumas. Last weekend Guillermo Hoyos’ troops did fall to defeat to Cub America, but it was only by a 2-1 margin and the fact they ran the champions so close certainly provides reason for encouragement.

Ultimately, in the Apertura, there can be no doubting that Pumas were a far stronger outfit than Atlas and that was reflected in the fact that they finished at opposite ends of the table. However, with the hosts having now hit a rocky patch and the visitors looking a more cohesive unit, the two are at a more comparable level currently.

Taking that into account, we find it hard to separate the two on Sunday and as such, backing a draw looks an excellent way to play and provides good value. Pumas have drawn 3 of their last 4 home league matches, as well as 5 of the last 7 and with Atlas having now lost just 2 of their last 8 matches, a 0-0 stalemate could well be on the cards.