Pachuca vs. Tijuana Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 August 2025

In the fifth round of Liga MX, Pachuca is set to host Tijuana at the Estadio Miguel Hidalgo on 17 August 2025. Pachuca, currently leading the table with 12 points, is favored with bookmakers placing their odds of winning at 1.36. Tijuana, sitting 10th with 5 points, comes in as the underdog with odds of 6.95.

Jaime Lozano’s Pachuca is in stellar form, having remained unbeaten in their last four league games and scoring freely with an average of 2.4 goals per game. Sebastián Abreu’s Tijuana has been inconsistent but has demonstrated the potential to upset stronger teams.

Historically, encounters between these two sides tend to be high-scoring, making the recommended bet of Tijuana +1.50 (AH) an interesting choice.

Expect an exciting clash with Pachuca looking to maintain their top spot, and Tijuana aiming to gain crucial points to climb the standings.

Pachuca vs Tijuana Prediction & Betting Tip

• Tijuana has shown they can put up a fight even against stronger teams, making the +1.50 Asian Handicap a safer bet.
• Historical data suggests high-scoring matches between these two, often close contests despite Pachuca’s stronger form.
• Pachuca has scored most of their goals in the last 15 minutes, a period when Tijuana typically concedes, which could mean a late push to keep Tijuana within the handicap.

Choosing Tijuana with a +1.50 Asian Handicap increases the chance to win this bet, taking into consideration their consistent performance in tight matches.

Pachuca vs Tijuana Odds

Pachuca goes into this match as the overwhelming favorite according to the bookmakers. Tijuana, on the other hand, comes in as the underdog, which could present some intriguing betting opportunities for those looking to take a risk.

With odds heavily in favor of Pachuca, a straightforward bet on them to win offers a safe, albeit less rewarding, option. A draw carries higher risks but also higher rewards if Tijuana can hold their ground. For the ambitious punter, a bet on Tijuana presents the highest odds, reflecting their increased risk.

Given the tendency for high-scoring games between these two teams, bets on over 2.5 goals might also be an enticing option for those looking to diversify.

Pachuca Team Analysis

Pachuca Recent Performance

Pachuca’s recent form reflects their position at the top of the Liga MX standings, with an impressive record of four wins and one draw in their last five matches. Highlighting their dominance, their latest triumph was a commanding 3-0 victory over Atlas, following a hard-fought 2-1 win against Houston Dynamo FC in the Leagues Cup.

With an average of 2.4 goals scored per game in their last five outings, Pachuca’s attack has been formidable. Additionally, they have managed to keep two clean sheets during this period, showcasing solid defensive capabilities.

Jaime Lozano’s squad has not only been consistent in securing victories but also in maintaining robust defensive and attacking plays, making them the team to beat this season.

Expect Pachuca to continue their strong form, driven by a balanced approach that combines offensive firepower with a sturdy backline.

Pachuca Key Players

Pachuca boasts a line-up brimming with talent, particularly in the attacking department. Jhonder Cádiz, their top scorer with 2 goals this season, will be pivotal in breaking down Tijuana’s defense. He is often supported by Victor Guzman and Gaston Togni, both of whom are integral in creating and converting chances.

In midfield, players like Pedro Pedraza and Elias Montiel add a solid balance between defense and attack, ensuring they maintain control throughout the game. Their defensive stability will be backed by goalkeeper Carlos Moreno, who has shown good form with clean sheets in two of the last five matches.

Expected lineup for Pachuca:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Moreno
• Defenders: Luis Rodriguez, Eduardo Bauermann, Sergio Barreto, Alonso Aceves
• Midfielders: Pedro Pedraza, Elias Montiel, Alexei Domínguez, Victor Guzman, Gaston Togni
• Forward: Jhonder Cádiz

Key individual battles to watch will include Cádiz against Tijuana’s center-back Jackson Porozo and Guzman against their midfield anchor Frank Boya.

Pachuca Suspensions & Injuries

Pachuca heads into this match with a relatively clean bill of health, apart from the notable absence of Andrés Micolta, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. His absence could marginally affect their defensive depth, given his experience and capabilities. However, the team has managed well in his absence thus far.

There are no suspensions currently affecting Pachuca, meaning Jaime Lozano can field his preferred starting XI. This cohesion has been crucial in their impressive form, and this continuity should help them maintain their solid performances both defensively and offensively. With most of their key players available, expect Pachuca to present a formidable challenge for Tijuana.

Pachuca Tactics and Formation

Pachuca Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Jhonder Cádiz
• Midfield Trio: Pedro Pedraza, Elias Montiel, Victor Guzman
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Pachuca tends to score most of their goals in the time intervals 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, and 76-90 minutes.

Jaime Lozano uses a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a strong midfield presence with Pedro Pedraza and Elias Montiel forming the defensive backbone. Victor Guzman plays a crucial role in transitioning from defense to attack. Upfront, Jhonder Cádiz is expected to be the main threat to the Tijuana defense.

With Gaston Togni and Alexei Domínguez on the wings, Pachuca can exploit the flanks and create numerous scoring opportunities. Their defensive line, backed by goalkeeper Carlos Moreno, has been solid, helping them keep two clean sheets in their last five games. Expect them to push for goals, especially in the later stages of the match.

Tijuana Team Analysis

Tijuana Recent Performance

Tijuana’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, as evidenced by their last five matches, where they have managed one win, three draws, and one loss. Their latest encounter saw them drawing 2-2 against Mazatlan FC, following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Seattle Sounders FC in the Leagues Cup.

Tijuana has averaged 1.6 goals per game in their recent fixtures, indicating that while their attack is reasonably effective, their defense has struggled, keeping no clean sheets in their last five outings. This is reflected in their league position, currently sitting 10th with 5 points.

Sebastián Abreu will need to work on tightening the defense and improving consistency if Tijuana is to climb the standings and make a significant impact this season.

While form fluctuates, Tijuana has shown glimpses of potential and will aim to harness these moments for a more solid overall performance.

Tijuana Key Players

Tijuana will be relying heavily on their top scorer, Kevin Castaneda, who has netted 1 goal this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against Pachuca’s robust defense. Another critical player for Tijuana will be Shamar Nicholson, who will lead the frontline and constantly challenge Pachuca’s center-backs Eduardo Bauermann and Sergio Barreto.

In midfield, Frank Boya and Ivan Tona are pivotal in controlling the tempo and breaking up opposition attacks. Their battle against Pachuca’s midfield trio of Pedro Pedraza, Elias Montiel, and Victor Guzman could be decisive in gaining control of the game.

Expected lineup for Tijuana:

• Goalkeeper: José Antonio Rodriguez
• Defenders: Rafael Fernandez, Jackson Porozo, Jesús Alejandro Gómez, Pablo Ortiz
• Midfielders: Vitinho, Gilberto Mora, Ivan Tona, Frank Boya, Adonis Preciado
• Forward: Shamar Nicholson

Key individual battles to watch include Nicholson vs Bauermann and Castaneda vs Pachuca’s fullbacks, which could shape the flow of the match.

Tijuana Suspensions & Injuries

Tijuana is facing some injury concerns as they prepare for their clash against Pachuca. Centre-back Unai Bilbao is doubtful due to a knock injury. His potential absence could weaken Tijuana’s defense, making them susceptible to Pachuca’s attacking threats.

There are no suspensions for Tijuana at the moment, allowing coach Sebastián Abreu to field most of his preferred lineup. However, Bilbao’s injury adds a layer of complexity to their defensive organization, requiring adjustments from other key defenders like Jackson Porozo and Pablo Ortiz to fill the gap effectively.

This lack of continuity in defense could impact Tijuana’s overall performance against a high-scoring Pachuca side.

Tijuana Tactics and Formation

Tijuana Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Shamar Nicholson
• Midfield Duo: Frank Boya, Ivan Tona
• Defensive Challenge: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Tijuana tends to concede most of their goals in the last 15 minutes, making their defensive stability towards the end crucial.

Under Sebastián Abreu, Tijuana employs a 4-2-3-1 formation aimed at balancing defensive solidity with attacking potential. Shamar Nicholson is expected to lead the line, with crucial support from Kevin Castaneda and Adonis Preciado on the flanks, alongside Vitinho in an advanced midfield role.

The midfield pairing of Frank Boya and Ivan Tona is central to both disrupting Pachuca’s attacks and initiating their own. Defensively, with Unai Bilbao doubtful, much will depend on Jackson Porozo and Pablo Ortiz to step up against Pachuca’s formidable forwards.

Expect Tijuana to emphasize defensive discipline late in the match to counteract their tendency to concede towards the end.

Pachuca vs Tijuana Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the recent head-to-head clashes between Pachuca and Tijuana, the encounters have been high-scoring and action-packed. In their last five meetings, Pachuca emerged victorious in three matches while Tijuana claimed two wins:

• Pachuca 4 – 1 Tijuana (17 March 2025)
• Tijuana 2 – 1 Pachuca (5 October 2024)
• Pachuca 3 – 2 Tijuana (4 February 2024)
• Tijuana 2 – 3 Pachuca (11 November 2023)
• Tijuana 2 – 0 Pachuca (27 February 2023)

Notably, more than 2.5 goals have been scored in four out of these five matches, illustrating an exciting pattern of high-scoring games. This trend is in line with the general performance of these teams, making another thrilling encounter likely. Pachuca’s current form makes them the favorites, but Tijuana has shown they can surprise, so this matchup could go down to the wire.

Odds accurate as of 15/08/2025 02:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.