Tigres steadily grew up into one of the leading teams in Mexico. They have won Apertura by beating UNAM Pumas after penalties last season and earned the right to play the CONCACAF Champions League.They will try to keep on with the good start of the new season by avoiding the defeat in Toluca de Lerdo in the fifth round match which is to be played on Sunday evening at Estadio Universitario Alberto Chivo Cordoba.Interestingly, the last several matches played between the two sides saw extremely low number of goals, as only four goals have been seen in last seven games played between Toluca and Tigres. Four out of seven matches ended in a goalless draw.
Toluca started the season in a slow way, playing a 1 – 1 draw with Atlas and losing consecutive matches to America and Chiapas.They finally managed to achieve the first victory of the season in the last round when they showed terrific performance against one of the leading teams in the league at the moment Pachuca.The game ended with 2 – 0 with goals from Esquivel and Uribe to give the hosts a much needed confidence injection which will be super important ahead of the rest of the season.
Tigres on the other side are yet to suffer a defeat in the new season, having won two out of four matches.Their main characteristic is a phenomenal defense which allowed no goals in five matches this season, including Campeon de Campeones game against Pachuca which they won with 1 – 0.
Considering the historically low number of goals in matches between these two teams, and the fact Tigres are yet to concede a goal this season. We would be insane to miss out on backing a goalless draw here at the odds of 8/1! Under 2.5 goals should be banker, and is offered at the odds of 7/10.
TEAM NEWS
Toluca’s Aaron Galindo made his return from injury in the Copa MX on Tuesday, while goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera and defender Jordan Silva could be available after Mexico was knocked out of the Olympic Games on Wednesday.
Tigres’ Ivan Estrada and Francisco Meza are still recovering from cruciate ligament injuries, but Alberto Acosta has recovered full fitness. Jurgen Damm is a doubt, having missed Saturday’s game against Chiapas with a groin injury. Jose Rivas and Damian Alvarez also missed that game with unspecified injuries, but Jorge Torres Nilo could be available following Mexico’s elimination from the Olympics.
Toluca drew 1-1 away to Lobos BUAP in the Copa MX on Tuesday, but Tigres had no midweek action.
Toluca
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Alfredo Talavera, Jordan Silva (both international duty)
Injured/Unavailable: None
Tigres UANL
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Jurgen Damm (groin); Jose Rivas, Damian Alvarez (both unspecified); Jorge Torres Nilo (international duty)
Injured/Unavailable: Ivan Estrada, Francisco Meza (both cruciate ligament)
MATCH PREVIEW
Having made a disappointing start to the season, Toluca claimed by far their best result to date when they beat champions Pachuca 2-0 at home on Sunday. Pachuca were the only side to have won their first three games of the season, but Toluca outplayed them from first minute to last, with Carlos Esquivel netting after just 21 seconds and Fernando Uribe doubling their lead in the final moments. That was Toluca’s first home game of the season and their fans will hope for a similar performance at the Estadio Nemesio Diez on Sunday.
Tigres continued their unbeaten start to the season with a deserved 1-0 home win over Chiapas on Saturday. Andre-Pierre Gignac's low, long-range strike in the 55th minute proved enough for Tigres to claim all three points against frankly weak opposition. Having started the season with consecutive draws, Ricardo Ferretti’s side have now won their last two games in a row and look like they are gradually beginning to find their best form. They are also the only team not to have conceded a goal so far this season.
Toluca will come into this game with their confidence restored, but Tigres will prove tough opponents to break down. A low-scoring draw is on the cards.
HEAD TO HEAD
Toluca boast a superb record against Tigres, having won 17 and lost just eight of their last 34 meetings. Their last encounter was a 1-0 home win for Toluca in January.
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Primera Division - Apertura 2016
Toluca vs U.A.N.L.- Tigres
Toluca vs U.A.N.L.- Tigres Live Stream, Preview and Prediction Football Primera Division - Apertura 2016
