Atlas vs Puebla Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 10 January

Atlas vs Puebla Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 10 January. As we look ahead to this intriguing clash in Liga MX, Atlas will host Puebla at the historic Estadio Jalisco. This fixture promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams aim to make a significant impact on the league standings.

Atlas, playing on home soil, will be eager to capitalise on their familiarity with Estadio Jalisco to secure a win. Meanwhile, Puebla will look to challenge their hosts and claim valuable points away from home. With both teams having much at stake, this match is set to be a compelling contest in Liga MX.

Atlas vs Puebla Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals	1.95

Considering the attacking strengths and defensive frailties of both teams, our recommended betting tip is ‘Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals’. This market offers strong value, especially given the recent form and head-to-head history between these sides.

• Atlas and Puebla have both struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 matches.
• Both teams have shown consistent attacking form, each scoring 11 goals in their last five games.
• Past encounters between these teams have often been high-scoring, with Atlas winning 7 of the last 8 head-to-heads but conceding frequently.

Betting Odds

Atlas step onto their home turf at Estadio Jalisco as the favourites, with betting odds of 2.07 reflecting their strong position. However, Puebla, with odds of 3.32, should not be underestimated, especially given their knack for surprising results on the road.

Betting Tip	Odds
Atlas to win	2.07
Draw	3.33
Puebla to win	3.32

The draw is priced at 3.33, indicating that bookmakers anticipate a closely fought encounter. For those considering goal markets, given both teams’ recent performances, exploring over 2.5 goals could be worthwhile.

Atlas Analysis & Past Performance

Atlas’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team managing only one win in their last five matches. Their sole victory came at home against León with a 2-0 scoreline, highlighting a rare moment of defensive solidity as they secured one of just two clean sheets in this period. However, Atlas have struggled offensively, averaging just 0.60 goals per game across these fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tijuana	Atlas	2 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	8 Nov 2025
Atlas	Toluca	0 – 0 (Draw)	Liga MX Apertura	1 Nov 2025
CD Guadalajara	Atlas	4 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	26 Oct 2025
Atlas	Leon	2 – 0 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura	23 Oct 2025
Atletico de San Luis	Atlas	2 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	18 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• L D L W L

The team has conceded an average of 1.60 goals per game in their last five outings, indicating vulnerabilities in their defensive setup. Despite these challenges, Atlas have shown resilience at home, remaining unbeaten with three wins and two draws in their last five home fixtures, reflecting a 60% win ratio at home. This contrast between home and away performances suggests a reliance on familiar surroundings to secure results.

Atlas Suspensions & Injuries

Atlas face significant challenges with key midfielders Édgar Zaldívar and Carlos Cruz both sidelined due to cruciate ligament injuries. Their absence is likely to disrupt the midfield balance and creativity. Additionally, the doubtful status of Rivaldo Lozano with a hamstring injury and Antonio Sánchez with an eye injury further complicates selection headaches for coach Diego Cocca.

The absence of Zaldívar and Cruz could lead to a reliance on less experienced players to fill the void in midfield. Paulo Ramírez and Diego González might be tasked with stepping up, but their ability to replicate the missing creativity and defensive solidity remains to be seen. This situation might force Atlas to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive organisation.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Édgar Zaldívar	Knee ligament injury	Doubtful
Carlos Cruz	Knee ligament injury	Doubtful
Rivaldo Lozano	Hamstring injury	Doubtful
Antonio Sánchez	Eye injury	Doubtful

With the unavailability of these players, Atlas may have to consider tactical adjustments. A potential shift could involve reinforcing the defence, given the midfield’s weakened state, and looking for quick counter-attacks to capitalise on any defensive lapses from Puebla. The lack of key personnel could also influence the betting markets, potentially swaying odds in favour of the visitors.

Atlas Key Players

Atlas’s defensive solidity will be anchored by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, whose shot-stopping abilities could prove pivotal against Puebla. Matheus Dória Macedo, a key figure in defence, is expected to marshal the backline alongside Adrián Mora and Gaddi Aguirre. Their collective defensive prowess will be crucial in maintaining a clean sheet and providing a platform for the midfield to operate effectively.

In midfield, Aldo Paúl Rocha is likely to play a crucial role as playmaker, orchestrating play and linking defence with attack. His ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball will be vital in breaking down Puebla’s defensive setup. Gustavo Ferrareis adds dynamism to the midfield, potentially driving forward to support the attack.

Expected lineup for Atlas

• Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas
• Defenders: Adrián Mora, Matheus Dória Macedo, Gaddi Aguirre
• Midfielders: Gustavo Ferrareis, Víctor Ríos, Aldo Paúl Rocha, Sergio Hernández, Mateo Ezequiel García, Paulo Ramírez
• Forward: Uroš Đurđević

Up front, Uroš Đurđević is expected to lead the attack. Although his goal tally is currently unknown, his positioning and physical presence will be essential in creating scoring opportunities. The interplay between Đurđević and the midfield could be decisive in breaking through Puebla’s defence. The blend of defensive strength and midfield creativity positions Atlas as a formidable opponent in this encounter.

Atlas Tactics and Formation

Atlas Tactical Breakdown:

• Previous Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Uroš Đurđević
• Midfield Pivot: Aldo Rocha and Sergio Hernández
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded eight goals in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Struggles in maintaining possession and defensive transitions.

Atlas have traditionally employed a 4-5-1 formation, which aims to solidify their midfield presence. Aldo Rocha and Sergio Hernández are pivotal in midfield, tasked with both defensive duties and initiating attacks. This setup seeks to provide a strong defensive line, though recent performances have shown vulnerabilities.

In the forward line, Uroš Đurđević stands out as the primary attacking option. However, the team have struggled to find the back of the net consistently, averaging just 0.60 goals per game in their last five matches. This lack of offensive potency has been a significant hurdle.

Defensively, Atlas have faced challenges, conceding an average of 1.60 goals per game recently. Their inability to maintain clean sheets has been exacerbated by difficulties in maintaining possession and transitioning from defence to attack efficiently. As they prepare to face Puebla, adjustments in their defensive setup may be necessary to stabilise their backline.

Puebla Analysis & Past Performance

Puebla’s recent form has been mixed, with the team recording two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five outings. Noteworthy victories include a 2-1 win against León and a thrilling 4-3 home triumph over Tijuana. However, they suffered a significant setback with a 0-3 defeat to Cruz Azul, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defensive setup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Leon	Puebla	1 – 2 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura	9 Nov 2025
Puebla	Cruz Azul	0 – 3 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	1 Nov 2025
FC Juarez	Puebla	4 – 4 (Draw)	Liga MX Apertura	25 Oct 2025
CF América	Puebla	2 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	22 Oct 2025
Puebla	Tijuana	4 – 3 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura	18 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• W L D L W

Puebla’s attacking prowess has been evident, with the team averaging 2.20 goals per match in their last five games. However, their defensive frailties are concerning, having conceded an average of 2.60 goals per game in the same period. The lack of clean sheets underscores the need for a more cohesive defensive strategy. With just one away win in their last five away games, Puebla’s away form remains a critical area for improvement. Their current standing at 13th in the league reflects their struggle for consistency, especially on the road, where they have secured only two wins in their last ten matches.

Puebla Suspensions & Injuries

Puebla face significant challenges ahead of their clash against Atlas, primarily due to the absence of Fernando Aristeguieta and Lucas Cavallini, both sidelined by serious injuries. Aristeguieta’s broken foot leaves a gap in their attacking options, while Cavallini’s cruciate ligament injury means he will not be back until late March 2026. These absences could potentially weaken Puebla’s forward line, which has relied heavily on these players’ experience and skill.

In the absence of these key players, Puebla coach Hernán Cristante might look to Ángelo Araos to lead the attack, potentially shifting to a more conservative formation to mitigate the lack of depth up front. Araos, although not as experienced as Aristeguieta or Cavallini, has shown promise and will need to step up significantly.

The tactical impact of these injuries might force Puebla to adopt a more defensive approach, focusing on solidifying their midfield and defence to compensate for the depleted attacking force. This could see the team playing more on the counter-attack, relying on pace and quick transitions.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Fernando Aristeguieta	Broken foot	Unknown
Lucas Cavallini	Cruciate ligament injury	Late March 2026

Puebla Key Players

In Puebla’s squad, the spotlight is on their dynamic forward line, particularly Brayan Garnica, who is pivotal in attack. Garnica’s agility and ability to exploit spaces make him a constant threat to defences. Alongside him, Esteban Lozano offers a blend of strength and precision in front of goal, providing a robust attacking option. Ángelo Araos, complementing the forward line, is known for his creativity and vision, often turning provider with incisive passes.

In midfield, Ariel Gamarra stands out as a key playmaker. His ability to control the tempo and link up play is crucial for Puebla’s tactical setup. Defensively, José Pachuca anchors the backline with steadfast tackling and aerial prowess, ensuring stability at the back. With these players, Puebla’s strategy revolves around a balanced approach, capitalising on swift transitions from defence to attack.

Expected lineup for Puebla

• Goalkeeper: Jesús Iván Rodríguez
• Defenders: Álvaro De La Rosa, José Pachuca, Eduardo Navarro, Fernando Monárrez
• Midfielders: Ariel Gamarra, Emiliano Gómez, Alejandro Organista
• Forwards: Brayan Garnica, Esteban Lozano, Ángelo Araos

Puebla Tactics and Formation

Puebla Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Ángelo Araos
• Midfield Orchestrator: Emiliano Gómez
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and counter-attacks.

Puebla’s likely deployment in a 4-5-1 formation allows them to strengthen their midfield presence, aiming to control the game’s tempo. Emiliano Gómez plays a pivotal role in midfield, tasked with linking defence and attack, while Ángelo Araos spearheads the offensive line, looking to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities.

Defensively, Puebla struggle with consistency, having failed to secure a clean sheet in their last five outings. The backline, consisting of players like Efraín Orona and Nicolás Díaz, faces challenges in maintaining a compact structure against aggressive opponents, leading to vulnerabilities in their defensive third.

Offensively, Puebla rely heavily on quick transitions from defence to attack. With their midfield packed, they aim to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm and exploit spaces left during counter-attacks, although this approach can sometimes leave them exposed at the back.

Atlas vs Puebla Head-to-Head Record

Atlas and Puebla have faced off 49 times, with Puebla narrowly ahead in the head-to-head record, boasting 19 wins to Atlas’s 18, alongside 13 draws. Their most recent encounter saw Atlas snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory away at Puebla in Liga MX Apertura. This result highlights Atlas’s knack for pulling off wins on the road.

When these teams last met at Estadio Jalisco in Liga MX Clausura, Atlas emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. This suggests a competitive edge for Atlas when playing at home, despite Puebla’s overall slight lead in the head-to-head statistics.

Home Side	Away Side	Final Score	League	Date
Puebla	Atlas	2 – 3	Liga MX Opening	2025-07-12
Atlas	Puebla	3 – 2	Liga MX Closing	2025-02-15
Puebla	Atlas	1 – 2	Liga MX Opening	2024-07-20
Puebla	Atlas	2 – 2	Liga MX Closing	2024-03-09
Atlas	Puebla	2 – 3	Liga MX Opening	2023-09-29