If you’re a soccer betting enthusiast, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the Liga MX returns this weekend. Hey, more games to bet on, right?
I have more good news, because Fixture 1 includes a game that could finish being a preview of the Final. I’m talking about Santos Laguna vs Tigres UANL, two teams that the last tournament made it into the Playoffs.
I debated about which matchup was the Game of the Week, this or Puebla vs America? Let’s call it a tie and do some betting!
Liga MX Heavyweights Collide in Fixture 1
Santos Aiming High
Last tournament, Santos finished the regular season in fifth place. They also finished as the second top scoring team with 23 goals. That’s not easy considering teams like America, Monterrey and Cruz Azul own enviable attacking units.
In the postseason, Santos lost to … Tigres, so we’re also talking about a rematch. It doesn’t have the same implications, but it can serve as motivation.
Santos will have several changes for the upcoming tournament, but the most significant will be on the bench. Head coach Pedro Caixinha is back after spending some time in Saudi Arabia. Caixinha already coached Santos from 2013-15 and led them to the title.
They lost Diego Valdes, who signed with America, but they brought in Alessio Da Cruz. He’s 24, but already played in the Italian Serie A and the Eredivisie.
Santos has been a more reliable soccer pick when playing at home. Last tournament, they only lost one of 11 games at home. They also finished with a clean sheet in five matches.
Santos’ predicted lineup: Carlos Acevedo; Carlos Orrantia, Felix Torres, Matheus Doria, Omar Campos; Alan Cervantes, Fernando Gorriaran, Juan Otero, Ayrton Preciado, Brian Lozano; Eduardo Aguirre.
Tigres Want to Roar
No other team has won more titles over the past decade than Tigres. That’s why they won’t settle for anything less than reclaiming the crown. It currently belongs to Atlas.
Last tournament, Tigres finished in fourth place thanks to a 7-3-3 record. Only Tigres scored more goals than Santos with 26. They advanced all the way into the semifinals, in which they lost to Leon.
Things tend to get easier on offense when you’ve talented players such as Nicolas Lopez and Andre Pierre Gignac. They’re the main reason for you to consider, including them in your betting online ticket.
Need another reason? Miguel Herrera, who took over the last tournament, is a very experienced head coach. He coached Mexico in the 2014 World Cup and already won the Liga MX with America.
Tigres’ predicted lineup: Nahuel Guzman; Carlos Salcedo, Juan Sanchez, Diego Reyes; Luis Rodriguez, Javier Aquino, Rafael Carioca, Luis Quinones, Juan Vigon; Andre-Pierre Gignac, Nicolas Lopez.
Santos vs Tigres Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 58
- Santos Victories: 15 (70 goals)
- Tigres Victories: 22 (85 goals)
- Draws: 21
As I mentioned before, these two collided in the last postseason. Santos won the first leg 2-1 while Tigres won the second one 1-0. Tigres advanced due to finishing the regular season better positioned. I think that’s not fair, but those are the rules.
If there’s something you can expect from these two, it’s goals. A game between Santos and Tigres hasn’t finished with a goalless draw since the 2016-17 season.
Santos vs Tigres Game Information
Date: Saturday
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Corona, Coahuila
Santos vs Tigres Live Stream: fuboTV
Santos vs Tigres Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team total |
| Santos | -½ -110 | -110 | 2½ +115o | 1½ +125o
1½ -155u |
| Tigres | +½ -120 | +305 | 2½ -145u | ½ -175o
½ +145u |
| Draw | +260 |
Santos vs Tigres Prediction
We’re talking about two very powerful teams when it comes to attacking. Last tournament, both averaged more than one goal per game. I expect that to happen again, starting on Saturday. The first game of the season is always tricky, especially on defense, so my sport betting advice is to go with the over.
Score Prediction: Santos 2, Tigres 2
