Tijuana vs Atlético San Luis Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 18 January

Tijuana vs Atlético San Luis Prediction, Match Preview. As we look ahead to this intriguing Liga MX clash, both teams are set to face off on Sunday, 18 January. The match will take place at Estadio Caliente, giving Tijuana the home advantage. This encounter is significant as both teams aim to climb the league standings, making every point crucial in their campaign.

Tijuana will be looking to capitalise on their home turf to secure a vital win against Atlético San Luis. Meanwhile, the visitors will be eager to upset the hosts and take away valuable points. With both teams focused on improving their league positions, this match promises to be a competitive and closely contested affair in Liga MX.

Tijuana vs Atlético San Luis Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Tijuana to Win	1.89

Considering the odds and recent form, a Tijuana win is our recommended betting tip. They have shown strong home form, winning three of their last four matches and maintaining an unbeaten record against Atlético San Luis in their last five encounters. With odds around 2.00, this bet offers great value.

• Tijuana have won three of their last four home matches, showcasing their strong form.
• Tijuana are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Atlético San Luis, including three wins.
• Atlético San Luis have conceded at least two goals in three of their last four games, highlighting their defensive struggles.

Atlético San Luis have struggled defensively, conceding at least two goals in three of their last four games and losing to direct rivals. Tijuana’s home advantage and head-to-head dominance make this a solid bet.

Betting Odds

Tijuana enter this Liga MX clash as favourites, with odds of 1.89 reflecting their home advantage at Estadio Caliente. Meanwhile, Atlético San Luis are considered underdogs at 3.65, but their potential to cause an upset should not be underestimated.

Betting Tip	Odds
Tijuana to win	1.89
Draw	3.53
Atlético San Luis to win	3.65

The draw is priced at 3.53, suggesting a competitive encounter. Bettors may find value in the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking tendencies in recent matches.

Tijuana Analysis & Past Performance

Tijuana have displayed commendable form recently, securing three victories in their last five matches, including a notable 2-1 away win against Querétaro FC. This period also featured a goalless draw against Club América, highlighting their defensive ability to maintain clean sheets in two of these five games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Querétaro FC	Tijuana	1 – 2 (Win)	Liga MX Clausura	15 Jan 2026
Tijuana	Club América	0 – 0 (Draw)	Liga MX Clausura	10 Jan 2026
Tigres	Tijuana	5 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura Playoff	30 Nov 2025
Tijuana	Tigres	3 – 0 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura Playoff	27 Nov 2025
Tijuana	FC Juárez	3 – 1 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura Play-In Stage	21 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Tijuana’s attack has been efficient, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five matches, while conceding an average of 1.40 goals per match. At home, Tijuana remain unbeaten in their last ten matches, with a win ratio of 60%, demonstrating their strength at Estadio Caliente. Their current league standing is 3rd, with a total of 4 points, reflecting their competitive edge in Liga MX.

Key Insights:

• WDLWW

Kevin Castañeda has been a crucial player, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts. Tactically, Tijuana have shown resilience with a balanced approach, leveraging their defensive solidity to counteract more aggressive opponents effectively. However, their away form remains an area for improvement, as indicated by the higher goals conceded in away fixtures.

Tijuana Suspensions & Injuries

Tijuana face a significant challenge with the absence of Frank Boya due to a knee injury. His expected return in early February 2026 means the team will need to adjust their midfield strategy in the coming matches. Boya’s presence is often pivotal, providing both defensive cover and attacking transitions. Without him, Tijuana may struggle to maintain their typical midfield dominance.

Boya’s absence is likely to see Ignacio Rivero take on more responsibility in midfield. Rivero, a versatile player, can offer both defensive solidity and creative flair, but his ability to fill Boya’s shoes will be tested in this match. Coach Sebastián Abreu will need to consider tactical adjustments to compensate for Boya’s absence, possibly altering the formation to bolster midfield strength.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Frank Boya	Knee injury	Early February 2026

Given the current injuries, Tijuana’s depth will be stretched, and this could impact the team’s overall performance and betting odds. The team will need to rely on their available squad members to step up and deliver against Atlético San Luis. The changes in midfield dynamics could lead to variations in Tijuana’s usual playing style, potentially affecting the match outcome.

Tijuana Key Players

Tijuana’s key player heading into this match is undoubtedly their top scorer, Kevin Castañeda. With one goal to his name this season, Castañeda is pivotal in leading Tijuana’s attacking efforts. His ability to find space and capitalise on scoring opportunities will be crucial against Atlético San Luis. Castañeda’s playing style, characterised by quick movement and sharp shooting, makes him a constant threat in the final third, and his performance could be decisive in Tijuana’s quest for victory.

In midfield, the focus will be on the creative playmakers who can orchestrate the game and provide the necessary support to the forwards. Although specific names are not listed, Tijuana’s midfield is expected to control the tempo and distribute the ball efficiently to maintain pressure on the opposition. The midfield’s ability to link up with Castañeda and the forwards will be essential in breaking down Atlético San Luis’s defence.

Defensively, Tijuana will rely on a solid backline to maintain their structure and prevent any breakthroughs by the opposition. The defenders’ tactical discipline and ability to read the game will be crucial in thwarting any attacking threats from Atlético San Luis. The defensive unit’s strength will be vital in ensuring Tijuana can sustain their tactical approach throughout the match.

Tijuana Tactics and Formation

Tijuana Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Mourad Daoudi
• Midfield Pivot: Iván Tona and Ignacio Rivero
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on solid defensive structure and counter-attacks.

Tijuana’s recent deployment of a 4-5-1 formation offers a balance between defensive solidity and midfield control. Iván Tona and Ignacio Rivero are pivotal in midfield, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating Tijuana’s transitions. This setup allows Tijuana to maintain a compact shape, minimising spaces for the opposition.

Defensively, the back four, featuring players like Rafael Fernández and Jackson Porozo, have been integral to Tijuana’s resilience, contributing to their two clean sheets in the last five matches. This defensive stability is crucial against teams that press high and attack in numbers.

Offensively, Tijuana rely heavily on Mourad Daoudi, who spearheads the attack. The wingers, Adonis Preciado and Jesús Gómez, are crucial for providing width and support during quick counter-attacks, a strategy that has been effective in unsettling defences, particularly evident in their recent 2-1 victory over Querétaro FC.

Atlético San Luis Analysis & Past Performance

Atlético San Luis have struggled for consistency in their recent outings, securing only one win in their last five matches. Their recent form includes a vital 2-0 win against Club América, which showcased their potential to perform under pressure. However, they have also suffered four losses, including a narrow 1-2 defeat to Tigres and a high-scoring 3-4 loss to Necaxa.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Club América	Atlético San Luis	0 – 2 (Win)	Liga MX Clausura	15 Jan 2026
Atlético San Luis	Tigres	1 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	12 Jan 2026
Tigres	Atlético San Luis	3 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	8 Nov 2025
Atlético San Luis	FC Juárez	1 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	1 Nov 2025
Atlético San Luis	Necaxa	3 – 4 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	27 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• WLLLL

In terms of scoring, Atlético San Luis average 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches, finding the net in each fixture. Defensively, they have conceded 2.20 goals on average, which highlights a vulnerability in their backline. Despite this, they managed to keep one clean sheet recently. Their away performance has been slightly better, with two wins out of five games, translating to a 40% win ratio on the road. Their ability to score consistently while struggling defensively indicates a team needing to tighten their defensive approach to convert potential into points.

Atlético San Luis Suspensions & Injuries

Atlético San Luis face a significant challenge with the absence of César Iván López due to a cruciate ligament injury, sidelining him until mid-April 2026. López’s injury deprives the team of a crucial defensive option, potentially impacting their stability at the back. This could force coach Guillermo Abascal to rely heavily on Román Torres and Robson Bambu to maintain defensive solidity against Tijuana’s attacks.

With López unavailable, the defensive depth for Atlético San Luis is notably thinner. Benjamín Galindo and Eduardo Águila might see increased responsibilities, requiring them to step up their performances. This situation could lead to tactical adjustments, such as a more conservative approach to protect their weakened defence.

The need to compensate for López’s absence might see Atlético San Luis adopting a more midfield-heavy formation, possibly pulling players like Miguel García and Sebastián Pérez Bouquet deeper to shield the defence. This adjustment could impact their attacking fluidity, with João Pedro needing to capitalise on any counter-attacking opportunities.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
César Iván López	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid April 2026

Atlético San Luis Key Players

Atlético San Luis will be relying heavily on their top scorer João Pedro, who has found the net twice this season. As a key attacking figure, João Pedro’s agility and precision in front of goal make him an essential part of the team’s offensive strategy. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses could be pivotal in the clash against Tijuana.

In midfield, the team’s playmakers are expected to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities. While specific names are not listed, the midfield’s cohesion and vision will be vital in transitioning from defence to attack, often linking up with João Pedro to maximise their goal-scoring potential.

Defensively, the backline will need to maintain a solid shape to counter Tijuana’s attacking threats. The defenders’ tactical awareness and ability to intercept passes will be crucial in preventing any breakthroughs. Collectively, these key players will shape Atlético San Luis’s tactical approach, focusing on a balanced attack and a resolute defence.

Atlético San Luis Tactics and Formation

Atlético San Luis Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: João Pedro
• Midfield Pivot: Miguel García and Sebastián Pérez Bouquet
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and wide play.

Atlético San Luis are expected to line up in a 4-5-1 formation, which allows them to dominate the midfield and control the pace of the game. Miguel García and Sebastián Pérez Bouquet are pivotal in midfield, ensuring ball retention and transitioning from defence to attack seamlessly. João Pedro, their key forward, is tasked with leading the line and capitalising on chances created by the midfield and wide players.

Defensively, Atlético San Luis rely on a backline featuring Román Torres and Robson Bambu, who provide experience and stability. Despite conceding in recent matches, the team’s ability to maintain possession limits opposition opportunities, contributing to their single clean sheet in the last five games.

Offensively, Atlético San Luis focus on utilising the width of the pitch, with players like Óscar Macías and Sébastien Lamonge offering width and creativity. This strategic approach helps them create scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their 1.60 goals scored per game on average in recent outings.

Tijuana vs Atlético San Luis H2H Record

In their head-to-head record, Tijuana have the upper hand with 7 wins compared to Atlético San Luis’s 3, while they have drawn 8 times. Their last encounter was a 1-1 draw in the Liga MX Apertura, showing how closely matched these teams can be.

When Tijuana last hosted Atlético San Luis, they secured a 2-1 victory in the Liga MX Clausura. This suggests a slight home advantage for Tijuana, who have been more successful in front of their fans.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Atlético San Luis	Tijuana	1 – 1	Liga MX Apertura	2025-09-15
Tijuana	Atlético San Luis	2 – 1	Liga MX Clausura	2025-04-11
Atlético San Luis	Tijuana	1 – 1	Liga MX Apertura	2024-07-20
Atlético San Luis	Tijuana	3 – 3	Liga MX Clausura	2024-02-17
Tijuana	Atlético San Luis	2 – 1	Liga MX Apertura	2023-10-09