Atlas backed to edge Necaxa away from home

Team news: Neither Necaxa nor Atlas have any new injury concerns.

Necaxa have no suspensions, no fitness doubts, and no players ruled out through injury.

Atlas also have no suspensions, no fitness doubts, and no players ruled out through injury.

Main pick: Away win.

Necaxa lost 3-2 away to Monterrey in their opening match of the new season. After a poor first half, they did not give up, pulling one back late in the first half after going three goals down, then scoring again in stoppage time. The problem was that they had already made life too difficult for themselves, and their defence looked very fragile whenever Monterrey attacked with pace and quality.

Atlas, meanwhile, made a winning start by beating Leon 3-2 away from home. They were helped by Leon playing with 10 men for one half, but it was still far from comfortable, with Atlas having to withstand major late pressure to hold on for the win. It was a solid result, but their defensive control was not entirely convincing, especially when Leon made changes and pushed forward.

This looks like an evenly matched contest. Both sides were involved in 3-2 thrillers in the opening round, and Necaxa should improve back on home soil. Even so, Atlas have already shown they can take points on the road and punish openings, so they have a chance to edge this one away from home.

Head-to-head: Atlas have recorded 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last five league meetings with Necaxa. In the most recent league clash between the sides in April this year, Atlas won 1-0 away from home.