Cruz Azul vs Atlas Prediction & Stats

[(Cruz Azul) Strength]:
1. Cruz Azul ranked among the top three teams in defensive capability during last year's Apertura regular season, demonstrating solid defensive performance.
2. Cruz Azul have achieved seven wins, two draws, and only one loss in their last ten home matches, with a 70% win rate, showcasing strong home form.

[(Cruz Azul) Neutral]:
1. Midfielder Palavecino, who recently joined the team, scored a goal just before the final whistle in the last match, salvaging some pride for the team.
2. Cruz Azul have scored only five goals in their last five matches, indicating a generally average offensive performance with overall lackluster play.

[(Cruz Azul) Weakness]:
1. Cruz Azul lost 2-1 to Club Leon in their first match of the season, failing to secure an opening victory. Including previous matches, the team have now gone five consecutive games without a win.
2. Cruz Azul have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five matches.

[(Atlas) Strength]:
1. Starting forward Uros Durdevic scored a decisive penalty in the last match, helping the team secure their first win at home, with a commendable individual performance.
2. Atlas secured a 1-0 victory against Puebla in their last match, earning an opening win for the new season and significantly boosting team morale.
3. Atlas have scored ten goals in their last five matches. Although most of these were in friendlies, the team have demonstrated decent scoring ability.

[(Atlas) Neutral]:
1. Atlas have seen five of their last six away matches end with OVER. The team tend to adopt a conservative playing style in away games.

[(Atlas) Weakness]:
1. Atlas have conceded six goals in their last five matches, indicating lingering defensive vulnerabilities that need improvement.
2. Atlas have managed only two draws and eight losses in their last ten away matches, failing to secure a single win. Their weakness in away games remains evident, making their away form unreliable.
3. In 52 total encounters between the two teams, Atlas have 16 wins, 14 draws, and 22 losses, giving them no psychological advantage in head-to-head matchups.

[Tips]:
Cruz Azul lost 2-1 to Club Leon in their first match of the new season, extending their winless streak to five games across seasons. Their offense has been lackluster, scoring only five goals in the last five matches. However, the team boast solid defensive foundations, ranking among the top three in defensive capability during last year's Apertura regular season. Additionally, they have strong home form, with seven wins, two draws, and only one loss in their last ten home games. Atlas, despite securing an opening victory against Puebla to boost morale and showing some scoring ability with ten goals in their last five matches, have defensive vulnerabilities, conceding six goals. Their away form is a significant weakness, with two draws and eight losses in their last ten away games, failing to secure a single win. Historically, in 52 encounters, Atlas have 16 wins, 14 draws, and 22 losses, placing them at a disadvantage. Considering home field advantage, defensive solidity, and head-to-head records, Cruz Azul are recommended to win.

[Recommended]:
Cruz Azul (-1/1.5)