Puebla vs Mazatlán AI Match Preview, Prediction, Team Stats Comparison, League table

Puebla vs Mazatlán: Hosts Seek to Tighten Defense in Clausura Clash

Puebla faces Mazatlán in a Liga MX Clausura fixture where the hosts will aim to leverage their home advantage, despite a generally leaky defense. Mazatlán, meanwhile, has struggled significantly on the road this season, making this a crucial opportunity for Puebla to secure points.

Puebla's season has been characterized by consistent defensive frailties, conceding an average of 2.4 goals per game across all competitions. While they manage to find the net themselves with some regularity (1.2 goals per game), their high rate of losses (66.7% overall) points to underlying issues. Their home record is also concerning, with only 2 wins in 8 games, though they do score slightly more at home. Recent form shows a slight uptick in goals scored but a continued defensive vulnerability, conceding 1.7 goals in their last three matches.

Mazatlán's overall campaign paints a picture of a team struggling for wins, with a mere 11.1% win rate and a high number of draws (44.4%). Their scoring record is modest at 1.2 goals per game, but it's their away form that is particularly alarming. They have failed to win any of their eight away fixtures, averaging a mere 0.6 goals scored while conceding 1.6. Recent results have not offered much encouragement, with two losses and one draw in their last three games, showing a dip in their scoring output.

This match appears to be a battle of contrasting, though not particularly effective, styles. Puebla, with slightly higher possession numbers, might look to build from the back, but their recent performance suggests a preference for quicker transitions. Mazatlán, typically playing with less possession, has shown a concerning inability to score away from home, while their recent defensive record has been inconsistent. Puebla's home advantage, coupled with Mazatlán's abysmal away form, could see the hosts pressing to exploit spaces. However, given Puebla's defensive issues, Mazatlán may find opportunities on the counter-attack if they can be more clinical than their recent statistics suggest.

Puebla has a clear statistical edge based on their overall performance and Mazatlán's dire away record. While Puebla's defense is porous, Mazatlán's inability to score on the road is a major concern for them. The odds favor the home side, aligning with the data. Both teams' recent form and overall defensive records suggest goals are likely at both ends.

Key points

• Puebla has lost 66.7% of their matches this season.
• Mazatlán has not won any of their 8 away games, scoring only 0.6 goals per game.
• The odds slightly favor a home win for Puebla, reflecting their advantageous home fixture against a struggling away side.