Puebla vs. Tijuana Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 October 2025

As we gear up for an evening of Liga MX action, bottom-placed Puebla will host playoff hopefuls Tijuana at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Set for 18 October 2025, this match carries significant implications for both sides, albeit for different reasons.

Puebla, rooted at the foot of the table with just five points from 12 matches, desperately need a turnaround. Hernán Cristante’s men have struggled, particularly in defense, conceding heavily in recent outings. They’re yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches, underscoring the issues at the back.

Tijuana, on the other hand, is a team in form, sitting comfortably in sixth place with 20 points. Sebastián Abreu’s squad has been solid both offensively and defensively, with striker Frank Boya leading the charge with six goals this season. Their recent performances suggest they are the bookmaker’s favorite to win, and rightly so.

The matchup’s context makes it intriguing. Puebla has historically managed some upsets against Tijuana, but given their current form, a Tijuana win appears a safe bet. Expect a dynamic encounter where both sides are likely to find the net.

Recommended bet: Tijuana to win.

Puebla vs Tijuana Prediction & Betting Tip

• Tijuana is currently in fine form, showing strong offensive capabilities with an average of 2.00 goals scored in their last five games.
• Puebla is struggling, with no clean sheets in their last five matches and a meager average of 0.80 goals scored per game.
• Historically, Tijuana has managed to find the net against Puebla, adding to the likelihood of their success.

Considering these factors, betting on a Tijuana victory appears to be a safe and sensible choice.

Puebla vs Tijuana Odds

The upcoming Liga MX clash between Puebla and Tijuana presents some interesting betting odds for punters. Given Puebla’s recent struggles, and Tijuana’s solid form, bookmakers are favoring an away win.

These odds reflect the current standing and form of both teams. Puebla, sitting at the bottom of the table, has found it difficult to secure positive results, with an average of just 0.80 goals scored per game in their last five matches.

On the other hand, Tijuana, currently sixth in the standings, has demonstrated both offensive and defensive solidity, making them the bookmakers’ favorites.

Whether you’re betting on the outright win or considering a draw, these odds present an intriguing opportunity for football enthusiasts.

Puebla Team Analysis

Puebla Recent Performance

Puebla’s recent form has been nothing short of dire, with their last five matches yielding a record of three losses and two draws.

• Querétaro FC 3 – 1 Puebla (04 Oct 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Puebla 0 – 2 CD Guadalajara (27 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Puebla 2 – 2 Pachuca (24 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Necaxa 1 – 0 Puebla (20 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Toluca 3 – 1 Puebla (14 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)

Currently, they sit at the bottom of the table with a mere five points from 12 matches. Their defensive frailties are glaringly evident, having conceded multiple goals without securing a clean sheet in their last five outings.

On the offensive front, Puebla has struggled, averaging just 0.80 goals per game in their recent fixtures. Clearly, Coach Hernán Cristante has his work cut out to reverse this worrying trend.

Puebla Key Players

Puebla’s hopes will heavily rest on the shoulders of their top scorer, Ricardo Marín, who has netted three goals this season. As the leading man in attack, Marín will look to disrupt Tijuana’s defense and add to his tally.

In the midfield, Ariel Gamarra and Alejandro Organista are pivotal, tasked with both creating opportunities and halting Tijuana’s advances. Defensively, Nicolás Díaz will need to marshal a backline that has been leakier than a sieve recently.

Expected lineup for Puebla:

• Goalkeeper: Julio González
• Defenders: Eduardo Navarro, Juan Fedorco, Nicolás Díaz, Jesús Rivas
• Midfielders: Jesús Rivas, Alejandro Organista, Ariel Gamarra, Fernando Monárrez
• Forwards: Edgar Guerra, Ricardo Marín, Emiliano Gómez

Key individual battles to watch include Marín against Tijuana’s central defenders, Jackson Porozo and Jesús Gómez, which could be crucial in determining the match outcome.

Puebla Suspensions & Injuries

Puebla’s squad depth is currently being tested by a few significant injuries, which could impact their performance against Tijuana.

Fernando Aristeguieta remains sidelined with a broken foot, and his return date is still uncertain. Additionally, Lucas Cavallini is out due to a cruciate ligament injury, with a potential return only expected in late March 2026. These absences leave Coach Hernán Cristante with limited attacking options, and the team might struggle to fill these gaps given their already poor form.

There are no current suspensions affecting the squad, but the injuries to key players put extra pressure on the remaining fit members to step up.

Puebla Tactics and Formation

Puebla Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Predominantly 4-4-2 in recent outings.
• Key Forward: Ricardo Marín, their top scorer with 3 goals.
• Midfield Setup: Jesús Rivas on the right, Alejandro Organista and Ariel Gamarra centrally, Fernando Monárrez on the left.
• Defensive Strategy: Aimed to build a solid backline with three central defenders: Eduardo Navarro, Juan Fedorco, and Nicolás Díaz.
• Notable Strategy: Often attempts to disrupt the opponent’s momentum and exploit spaces during counter-attacks.

Despite their struggles, Puebla needs to leverage their midfield creators to transition effectively from defense to attack. Their defensive line, which has been vulnerable, must tighten up to avoid conceding early, especially given their tendency to let in goals between the 31-45 minute mark this season.

Tijuana Team Analysis

Tijuana Recent Performance

Tijuana’s recent form has been relatively solid, with two wins, two draws, and just one loss in their last five matches.

• Tijuana 2 – 2 Monterrey (06 Oct 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Tijuana 2 – 0 Cruz Azul (29 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Santos Laguna 1 – 0 Tijuana (25 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Tijuana 5 – 0 León (20 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)
• Atlético de San Luis 1 – 1 Tijuana (15 Sep 2025, Liga MX Apertura)

Currently sitting in sixth place with 20 points from 12 matches, Tijuana has shown a strong balance between attack and defense. Their offensive unit has been potent, averaging 2.00 goals per game over their last five fixtures, while defensively, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets. With a mix of solid performances, Coach Sebastián Abreu will be looking to maintain this momentum against Puebla.

Tijuana Key Players

Tijuana’s impressive form owes much to the contributions of key players, notably their top scorer, Frank Boya, who has netted six goals this season. Boya will be crucial in breaking down Puebla’s defense.

In midfield, Ivan Tona and Ramiro Arciga are expected to play pivotal roles in both creating scoring opportunities and disrupting Puebla’s play. Defensively, Jackson Porozo will marshal the backline with Jesús Alejandro Gómez, ensuring they remain solid.

Expected lineup for Tijuana:

• Goalkeeper: José Antonio Rodríguez
• Defenders: Rafael Fernández, Jackson Porozo, Jesús Alejandro Gómez, Jesús Alan Vega
• Midfielders: Frank Boya, Ivan Tona, Ramiro Arciga, Kevin Castañeda
• Forwards: Mourad El Ghezouani, Adonis Preciado

Key individual battles will include Tijuana’s forwards against Puebla’s defensive trio, which could prove decisive in tilting the match.

Tijuana Suspensions & Injuries

Tijuana will be glad to report that they have no current suspensions or injuries affecting their squad ahead of the clash with Puebla. This clean bill of health gives Coach Sebastián Abreu the luxury of fielding his best XI, including key players like Frank Boya and Ivan Tona.

Having all players available means Tijuana can fully unleash their potent offensive and solid defensive game plan. Their fitness and readiness give them a significant advantage, especially against a Puebla side grappling with injuries to important players like Fernando Aristeguieta and Lucas Cavallini.

Tijuana Tactics and Formation

Tijuana Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Predominantly 4-4-2, with occasional shifts to 4-2-3-1.
• Key Forward: Frank Boya, their top scorer with six goals.
• Midfield Setup: Ivan Tona and Frank Boya as defensive midfielders, with Ramiro Arciga, Kevin Castañeda, and Adonis Preciado providing width and creativity.
• Defensive Strength: With two clean sheets in their last five matches, their defense, led by Jackson Porozo and Jesús Alejandro Gómez, has shown solidity.
• Notable Strategy: Tijuana often relies on their robust midfield to control possession and utilize quick transitions to exploit spaces, focusing attacks through the wings.

Coach Sebastián Abreu’s tactics emphasize a strong defensive foundation, quick ball recovery, and efficient attacking transitions, which will be critical in maintaining their sixth-place standing and seizing victory against Puebla.

Puebla vs Tijuana Head-to-Head Statistics

The historical encounters between Puebla and Tijuana have been a mixed bag, making their upcoming clash even more compelling.

• Puebla 2 – 0 Tijuana (22 Feb 2025, Liga MX Clausura)
• Tijuana 2 – 1 Puebla (11 Nov 2024, Liga MX Apertura)
• Tijuana 3 – 1 Puebla (20 Apr 2024, Liga MX Clausura)
• Puebla 3 – 0 Tijuana (02 Sep 2023, Liga MX Apertura)
• Puebla 5 – 2 Tijuana (29 Apr 2023, Liga MX Clausura)

Puebla has shown they can score heavily against Tijuana, particularly at home. However, Tijuana has also managed to secure significant victories, especially in away fixtures.

This head-to-head history indicates that while Puebla tends to perform well at home against Tijuana, their current form raises concerns. Meanwhile, Tijuana’s balanced attack and defense make them a formidable opponent, capable of leveraging Puebla’s vulnerable defense.

Odds accurate as of 16 October 2025, 02:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.