Mazatlán FC vs Monterrey Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 17 January

Mazatlán FC and Monterrey are set to clash in a Liga MX showdown at Estadio El Encanto on Saturday, 17 January. This match is a significant encounter in the league, as both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the standings. Mazatlán FC, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiarity with Estadio El Encanto to gain an advantage over their opponents.

Monterrey, on the other hand, will be keen to demonstrate their prowess on the road and secure valuable points away from home. With both teams eager to make a statement in this Liga MX fixture, fans can expect a competitive and engaging match. The outcome could have implications for the league standings, making this a must-watch event for supporters of Mexican football.

Mazatlán FC vs Monterrey Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Monterrey to Win	1.72

Looking at the overall market odds and current form, Monterrey to win is our recommended betting tip. Monterrey’s superior league position, combined with their recent attacking prowess and Mazatlán’s defensive issues, makes this a strong pick.

• Monterrey have scored in 83% of their away matches this season, showcasing their offensive strength on the road.
• Mazatlán have conceded 8 goals in their last five matches, highlighting their defensive weaknesses.
• Monterrey have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings, indicating a historical edge.

Despite playing away, Monterrey’s consistent scoring ability and Mazatlán’s defensive vulnerabilities should see the visitors secure a victory.

Betting Odds

Mazatlán FC are facing Monterrey at Estadio El Encanto, and the betting odds are leaning heavily towards the visitors. Monterrey are priced at 1.72, making them the clear favourites to take all three points. Meanwhile, a win for Mazatlán FC is seen as less likely, with odds of 4.32, but it could be a tempting punt for those looking for an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Mazatlán FC to secure victory	4.32
Draw	3.71
Monterrey to secure victory	1.72

The draw is also an interesting option at 3.71, especially if you think Mazatlán can hold their own at home. Given Monterrey’s strong form, betting on them might seem the safer choice, but don’t rule out the potential for surprises in Liga MX.

Mazatlán FC Analysis & Past Performance

Mazatlán FC have been struggling to find consistent form, currently sitting 17th in the Liga MX standings. Over their last five matches, they have failed to secure a win, drawing twice and losing three times. Their recent defeat away at Puebla (1-2) is indicative of their current challenges.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Puebla	Mazatlán FC	2 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	13 Jan 2026
Mazatlán FC	FC Juárez	1 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	10 Jan 2026
Mazatlán FC	Necaxa	1 – 1 (Draw)	Liga MX Apertura	8 Nov 2025
Querétaro FC	Mazatlán FC	1 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura	2 Nov 2025
Mazatlán FC	Club América	2 – 2 (Draw)	Liga MX Apertura	25 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
Mazatlán FC’s attack has been underwhelming, averaging just 1.00 goal per game in their last five matches, with a total of 5 goals scored. Defensively, they have been vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.60 goals per game, with no clean sheets during this period. This lack of defensive solidity has been a significant weakness.

Mazatlán’s performance at home also reveals issues, with only one win in their last five home games, complemented by three draws and a loss. Their home win ratio stands at 20%, highlighting a need for improvement in front of their fans. The team relies heavily on Facundo Almada, their top scorer, who has managed to net only twice recently, emphasising a need for more attacking contributions from other players.

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Mazatlán FC Suspensions & Injuries

Mazatlán FC face a significant challenge with the potential absence of Alberto Herrera due to a knee injury, leaving his status as doubtful for the upcoming clash against Monterrey. Herrera’s injury could disrupt the team’s defensive solidity, as he is a key figure in the backline. His absence might force coach Robert Siboldi to shuffle the defensive setup, possibly moving Iván González or Facundo Almada into more central roles to cover for the missing defender.

With Herrera potentially unavailable, the tactical impact on Mazatlán FC could be considerable. The team might have to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining a solid shape to compensate for the defensive gap. This could see the midfielders dropping deeper to provide additional cover, which may limit their attacking opportunities.

The lack of suspensions offers a slight relief, allowing the team to field a relatively full-strength squad otherwise. However, the uncertainty surrounding Herrera’s availability could influence betting markets, with punters possibly leaning towards Monterrey given Mazatlán FC’s defensive concerns.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alberto Herrera	Knee problem	Uncertain

Mazatlán FC Key Players

Mazatlán FC’s attacking prowess will heavily rely on their top scorer, Facundo Almada, who has netted 2 goals this season. Almada’s ability to find the back of the net, coupled with his knack for positioning himself in advantageous spots, makes him a constant threat to Monterrey’s defence. His performance will be crucial as Mazatlán aim to secure a vital win.

In midfield, the creativity and vision of key playmakers will be pivotal for orchestrating Mazatlán FC’s offensive strategies. These players are expected to link the defence and attack seamlessly, dictating the tempo and ensuring that Almada receives the support he needs to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Monterrey.

Defensively, the resilience and organisation of Mazatlán’s backline will be tested against Monterrey’s attacking threats. Central defenders will need to showcase their aerial prowess and tactical acumen to thwart any goal-scoring opportunities, ensuring a solid foundation for the team’s tactical setup.

Mazatlán FC Tactics and Formation

Mazatlán FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Fábio Gomes
• Midfield Pivot: Jordan Sierra and Ángel Saavedra
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on quick transitions and exploiting width.

Mazatlán FC typically line up in a 4-4-2 formation, which aims to provide a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield duo of Jordan Sierra and Ángel Saavedra is vital for maintaining possession and initiating attacks. Their ability to control the tempo is crucial, especially against a challenging Monterrey side.

Defensively, the back line, featuring Iván González and Facundo Almada, has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches. This vulnerability at the back is a concern, especially with Monterrey’s potent attack, which could exploit any lapses in concentration.

Offensively, Mazatlán’s strategy revolves around quick transitions and utilising the wide areas, with Mauro Laínez and Yoel Bárcenas providing width. Fábio Gomes, as the main forward, will be relied upon to convert chances created from these wide positions into goals.

Monterrey Analysis & Past Performance

Monterrey have experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent form, recording two wins and three losses in their last five matches. Their latest victory was a solid 2-0 win against Necaxa, demonstrating their ability to bounce back after a 0-1 defeat to Toluca. This inconsistency is reflected in their overall record, standing 4th in the league with 3 points.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	Competition	Date
Necaxa	Monterrey	0 – 2 (Win)	Liga MX Clausura	14 Jan 2026
Monterrey	Toluca	0 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	11 Jan 2026
Toluca	Monterrey	3 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura Playoff	7 Dec 2025
Monterrey	Toluca	1 – 0 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura Playoff	4 Dec 2025
Club América	Monterrey	2 – 1 (Loss)	Liga MX Apertura Playoff	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Monterrey’s attack has managed to score an average of 1.20 goals per match over the last five games, with Germán Berterame being a key contributor. However, defensive frailties are apparent, as they have also conceded 1.20 goals per match on average, highlighting a need for tighter defensive coordination. They have kept two clean sheets in this period, illustrating occasional defensive solidity.

Away from home, Monterrey’s form has been less than ideal, with only one win out of their last five away fixtures, resulting in a 20% win ratio. They have struggled to maintain a consistent away performance, which could be a critical factor against Mazatlán FC. The team needs to address these away vulnerabilities to improve their standing and sustain a challenge for higher positions in the league.

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Monterrey Suspensions & Injuries

Monterrey face a relatively minor setback with Michell Rodríguez dealing with a thigh injury, rendering him doubtful for the upcoming clash against Mazatlán FC. While Rodríguez may not be a mainstay in the starting line-up, his absence could thin the squad’s depth, particularly impacting the options available for tactical rotations or substitutions.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Michell Rodríguez	Thigh injury	Doubtful

Given the current situation, Monterrey’s coach Domènec Torrent may not need to make significant tactical adjustments, as the core starting eleven remains unaffected. However, the lack of depth due to Rodríguez’s injury might compel Torrent to rely heavily on the fitness and form of his available players, especially in midfield where flexibility is often required.

From a betting perspective, Monterrey’s minimal injury concerns suggest they remain strong contenders in this match-up. With the primary squad intact, they are well-positioned to leverage their attacking prowess led by Germán Berterame, potentially maintaining their competitive edge against Mazatlán FC.

Monterrey Key Players

Monterrey’s goal-scoring prowess is spearheaded by Germán Berterame, who currently leads the team with 1 goal. Berterame’s ability to find the back of the net is crucial for Monterrey, especially given his knack for positioning himself optimally in the box. His striking capabilities make him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence, and he will be pivotal in breaking down Mazatlán FC’s defensive setup.

In midfield, the creative forces are expected to revolve around the playmaking skills of Alfonso González. His vision and precise passing can unlock defences and create opportunities for the forwards. González’s influence in the middle of the park is vital for controlling the game’s tempo and dictating Monterrey’s attacking transitions.

Defensively, Monterrey will rely on the experience of Sebastián Vegas. His tactical awareness and solid tackling are essential in maintaining defensive solidity. Vegas’s ability to read the game and intercept passes can thwart Mazatlán FC’s attacking moves, providing a platform for Monterrey to launch counter-attacks.

Monterrey’s tactical approach will likely revolve around utilising the strengths of these key players. Berterame’s goal-scoring, González’s playmaking, and Vegas’s defensive acumen form the backbone of their strategy, aiming to secure a decisive victory.

Monterrey Tactics and Formation

Monterrey Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Germán Berterame
• Midfield Pivot: Fidel Ambriz and Sergio Canales
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Effective use of wide players to stretch opposition defences.

Monterrey’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, combining defensive solidity with attacking flexibility. The midfield pivot of Fidel Ambriz and Sergio Canales is crucial, offering both defensive coverage and creative distribution. This setup allows Monterrey to maintain control in midfield and support the attack efficiently.

Defensively, Monterrey’s backline, featuring Víctor Guzmán and Carlos Salcedo, has shown resilience, achieving two clean sheets in their last five matches. The full-backs, Ricardo Chávez and Luis Reyes, contribute to both defensive duties and attacking overlaps, making them integral to their tactical setup.

Offensively, Monterrey often exploit width through wingers Óliver Torres and Roberto de la Rosa. This strategy is complemented by the goal-scoring prowess of Germán Berterame, who remains a key threat upfront. The team’s ability to stretch defences with wide play is a significant part of their attacking strategy.

Mazatlán FC vs Monterrey Head-to-Head Record

In their last 11 encounters, Monterrey have dominated the head-to-head record against Mazatlán FC with 7 wins, while Mazatlán have managed just 1 victory, and 3 matches ended in draws. The most recent clash saw Monterrey edge a 3-2 win at home during the Liga MX Apertura.

The last time Mazatlán FC hosted Monterrey was in February 2025, where they secured their only win in this fixture with a 1-0 victory in the Liga MX Clausura. Despite this, Monterrey’s strong away form makes them a tough opponent at Estadio El Encanto.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Monterrey	Mazatlán FC	3 – 2	Liga MX Apertura	2025-08-18
Mazatlán FC	Monterrey	1 – 0	Liga MX Clausura	2025-02-26
Monterrey	Mazatlán FC	0 – 0	Liga MX Apertura	2024-09-22
Monterrey	Mazatlán FC	2 – 1	Liga MX Clausura	2024-03-11
Mazatlán FC	Monterrey	0 – 3	Liga MX Apertura	2023-07-15