Tepatitlan Backed to Make Home Advantage Count

Tepatitlan have appointed veteran coach Bardoloda to take charge this summer and moved proactively in the market during pre-season. New arrivals include Alante forward Samuel Gonsales, Mazatlan FC left-back Xavi Do Rodrigues and Tlaxcala centre-back Castaneda, all brought in to strengthen the squad.

Durango Scorpions remain under title-winning coach Herdario this summer, but striker Sebastian Martinez has left the club. In response, the team signed two forwards, Luis Rolanna and Carlos Sguilos, in an attempt to fill the gap.

For Tepatitlan, midfielder Jesis Hinnisdoza is injured, while there are no suspensions. For Durango Scorpions, forward Baien Dominguez is injured, with no players suspended.

Tepatitlan were double champions in last season's Liga de Expansion MX second phase, winning both the regular season and the playoffs, and they have consistently been strong at home. Hosting newly promoted opposition here, they look well placed to make a winning start on home soil.

Durango Scorpions topped last season's Liga Premier regular season and also finished runners-up in the playoffs, so their overall campaign was solid. However, they were not especially active in strengthening the squad before the new season and are largely relying on the group that earned promotion. Playing away in this match, taking points will not be easy.

In the last four meetings between the sides, Tepatitlan have one win and three draws in normal time. Their most recent win was 2-0, and the last meeting produced 16 corners.