Necaxa vs Atlas Prediction & Match Preview – 18 January

Necaxa vs Atlas Prediction & Match Preview for 18 January. Looking ahead to this intriguing Liga MX encounter, Necaxa will host Atlas at Estadio Victoria on Sunday, 18 January. Both teams are eager to make their mark in the league, and this matchup promises to be a compelling contest as they vie for crucial points early in the season.

Necaxa, playing at home, will aim to take advantage of the familiar surroundings of Estadio Victoria to secure a win. Meanwhile, Atlas will be looking to upset the hosts and gain an edge in the league standings. With both sides having much to prove, this encounter is set to be a significant fixture in the Liga MX calendar.

Necaxa vs Atlas Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Necaxa Draw No Bet	1.9

Given Necaxa’s impressive attacking form and unbeaten home record, our recommended betting tip is ‘Necaxa Draw No Bet’. Atlas’s recent goal-scoring struggles and potential defensive issues add further weight to this selection, making it a sensible choice for this encounter.

• Necaxa have scored 13 goals in their last five matches, highlighting their strong attacking capabilities.
• Atlas have managed only 4 goals in their last five games, underlining their struggles in front of goal.
• Necaxa’s home advantage and unbeaten run provide an additional edge, making them a safer bet.

Betting Odds

Necaxa enter this Liga MX clash as favourites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.59 for a home victory. Atlas, meanwhile, are priced at 4.82, suggesting a challenging outing for the visitors.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Necaxa	1.59
Back the Draw	4.03
Back Atlas	4.82

The draw is set at 4.03, which could appeal to those expecting a closely fought contest. Given the odds, punters might also consider the over/under goals market, considering both teams’ recent performances.

Necaxa Analysis & Recent Performance

Necaxa have shown mixed form in recent matches, securing three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five outings. This run includes a notable 3-1 victory over Santos Laguna. However, their most recent home fixture against Monterrey ended in a 0-2 loss, highlighting some inconsistency at Estadio Victoria.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Necaxa	Monterrey	0 – 2 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	14 Jan 2026
Santos Laguna	Necaxa	1 – 3 (Win)	Liga MX Clausura	11 Jan 2026
Mazatlán FC	Necaxa	1 – 1 (Draw)	Liga MX Apertura	8 Nov 2025
Necaxa	Santos Laguna	4 – 1 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura	1 Nov 2025
Atlético de San Luis	Necaxa	3 – 4 (Win)	Liga MX Apertura	27 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• LWDWW

Offensively, Necaxa have been effective, averaging 2.40 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Despite this attacking strength, their defence has been less reliable, conceding an average of 1.60 goals per match and failing to keep a clean sheet during this period. At home, they have won 40% of their matches, but their lack of defensive solidity remains a concern, with goals conceded in every recent home game. They currently sit 8th in the league, reflecting a competitive but inconsistent edge in their performances.

Necaxa Suspensions & Injuries

Necaxa approach their match against Atlas with a fully fit squad, as there are no injuries or suspensions affecting their lineup. This allows coach Martín Varini to field his preferred starting eleven without enforced changes, which could be a significant advantage as Necaxa can utilise their strongest tactical setup against a potentially vulnerable Atlas side.

With no injuries or suspensions, Necaxa can maintain their usual formation and playing style. Key players such as Ezequiel Unsain in goal and a solid defensive line featuring Emilio Lara and Alexis Peña will aim to keep a clean sheet. In midfield, the presence of Kevin Rosero and Lorenzo Faravelli ensures creativity and stability, while forwards Raúl Sánchez and Tomás Badaloni will look to capitalise on any defensive lapses by Atlas.

Having a full squad available allows Necaxa to focus on their attacking strategy without concerns about makeshift replacements or tactical shifts. This stability could influence the betting markets, as a complete squad often translates to improved performance and better odds for a positive result.

The full availability of players may also boost confidence within the Necaxa camp, enabling them to implement their attacking game plan effectively. With no constraints from injuries or suspensions, they can exploit Atlas’s weaknesses and potentially secure a successful outcome at Estadio Victoria.

Necaxa Key Players

Necaxa’s attacking threat will rely heavily on Julián Carranza, their top scorer this season with one goal. Carranza’s sharp instincts and ability to find space in opposition defences make him a constant threat in the final third. His role as a forward is pivotal in converting chances into goals, and his movement off the ball will be crucial in breaking down Atlas’s defensive setup.

In midfield, the creativity and control provided by key players will be central to Necaxa’s tactical plans. These players are expected to dictate the tempo and ensure smooth transitions from defence to attack, providing vital support to Carranza up front.

Defensively, Necaxa will look to their experienced backline to maintain solidity and organisation. The defenders are tasked with neutralising Atlas’s attacking threats, using their tactical awareness and physical presence to keep the opposition at bay. The defensive unit’s ability to maintain shape and discipline will be vital in securing a positive result for Necaxa.

Necaxa Tactics & Formation

Necaxa Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Tomás Badaloni
• Midfield Engine: Lorenzo Faravelli
• Defensive Challenge: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on wing play and set-pieces.

Necaxa’s 4-4-2 formation provides a balanced approach, emphasising both defensive solidity and attacking support. The midfield quartet, led by Lorenzo Faravelli, is vital for controlling the game, with Kevin Rosero and Danny Leyva offering width and creativity along the flanks.

Defensively, the back four, including Emilio Lara and Agustín Oliveros, have struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches. This highlights a need for improved defensive organisation and discipline, especially when defending set-pieces.

Offensively, Necaxa typically focus on exploiting the wings and creating opportunities through crosses and set-pieces. Tomás Badaloni plays a pivotal role up front, supported by Raúl Sánchez, aiming to convert these chances into goals against Atlas.

Atlas Analysis & Recent Performance

Atlas currently find themselves struggling in Liga MX, with a mixed run of results in their last five matches: one win, one draw, and three defeats. Their recent 0-2 loss to Cruz Azul highlighted ongoing away difficulties, with Atlas managing only four shots compared to Cruz Azul’s 15 and holding 52% possession without capitalising on it.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Cruz Azul	Atlas	2 – 0 (Loss)	Liga MX Clausura	14 Jan 2026
Atlas	Puebla	1 – 0 (Win)	Liga MX Clausura	10 Jan 2026
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

Recent Form:
Atlas’s attacking output has been poor, averaging just 0.40 goals per game in their last five outings, and they have failed to score in three of those matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.60 goals per game, indicating vulnerabilities at the back. Despite keeping two clean sheets, their inability to consistently shut out opponents remains a concern.

Their away form has been particularly disappointing, with five consecutive away defeats contributing to a win ratio of only 20%. The lack of goals from top scorer Uroš Đurđević, who has scored just once, further compounds their problems in attack. Atlas currently sit 14th in the standings with three points and need to address their attacking inefficiencies and defensive weaknesses to climb the table.

• LWLDL

Atlas Suspensions & Injuries

Atlas face a challenging scenario with a couple of key injuries that could significantly impact their tactical approach against Necaxa. Carlos Cruz, suffering from a cruciate ligament injury, and Rivaldo Lozano, sidelined with a hamstring problem, are both doubtful for the upcoming match. These absences could weaken Atlas’s midfield depth, forcing coach Diego Cocca to reconsider his options.

The injury to Carlos Cruz is particularly concerning, as it may necessitate a reshuffle in the defensive midfield role, potentially bringing in less experienced players to fill the gap. Meanwhile, Rivaldo Lozano’s absence on the wing might prompt a tactical switch, possibly leading to a more central attacking approach to compensate for the lack of width.

Without these two players, Atlas may have to rely on a more conservative strategy to maintain stability, which could affect their ability to generate creative plays from midfield. The betting markets may reflect these challenges, possibly adjusting odds in favour of Necaxa due to Atlas’s reduced squad strength.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Carlos Cruz	Cruciate ligament injury	Doubtful
Rivaldo Lozano	Hamstring injury	Doubtful

Atlas Key Players

Atlas will rely heavily on their top scorer Uroš Đurđević, who has found the net once this season. Đurđević is expected to lead the line with his sharp finishing and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. His role as a forward will be pivotal in converting chances and spearheading the attack against Necaxa.

In midfield, the creativity and control provided by players such as Jeremy Márquez will be crucial. Márquez, known for his playmaking abilities, is expected to orchestrate the midfield, linking defence and attack with precise passing. His vision and ability to dictate the tempo will be key in breaking down Necaxa’s defensive setup.

Defensively, Atlas will look to their backline to maintain solidity and resilience. The defenders’ tactical discipline and ability to thwart Necaxa’s attacks will be essential in securing a positive result. The cohesive defensive unit will be tasked with managing any threats posed by Necaxa’s forwards, aiming to keep a clean sheet.

Atlas Tactics & Formation

Atlas Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Uroš Đurđević
• Midfield Pivot: Aldo Rocha and Mateo Ezequiel García
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking.

Atlas have recently adopted a 5-4-1 formation, prioritising defensive solidity. With Uroš Đurđević as the lone striker, the team look to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities, supported by midfielders Aldo Rocha and Mateo Ezequiel García, who are pivotal in transitioning from defence to attack.

Defensively, Atlas rely on a robust backline featuring Gustavo Ferrareis and Manuel Capasso, aiming to maintain their defensive shape and frustrate opponents. Despite conceding two goals in their last match against Cruz Azul, the team have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five outings, highlighting their defensive potential.

Offensively, Atlas’s strategy revolves around quick transitions, aiming to exploit the spaces left by opponents during their attacking phases. The presence of Đurđević up front provides a focal point in attack, although their recent form indicates a need for improved offensive output, with only two goals scored in their last five matches.

Necaxa vs Atlas Head-to-Head Record

In their last 40 head-to-head encounters, Atlas have the advantage with 16 wins to Necaxa’s 14, while 10 matches have ended in a draw. The most recent meeting saw Atlas edge out Necaxa 3-2 in the Liga MX Apertura, showcasing their attacking prowess.

The last time these two sides met at Estadio Victoria, it finished goalless, indicating a tight contest when Necaxa play host. Historically, Necaxa have managed some crucial home wins, but Atlas’s overall record suggests they remain a formidable opponent.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Atlas	Necaxa	3 – 2	Liga MX Apertura	2025-09-27
Atlas	Necaxa	0 – 4	Liga MX Clausura	2025-02-19
Necaxa	Atlas	0 – 0	Liga MX Apertura	2024-11-10
Necaxa	Atlas	2 – 1	Liga MX Clausura	2024-01-15
Atlas	Necaxa	0 – 0	Liga MX Apertura	2023-11-11