MONTERREY, Mexico (Interstat) — A struggling Monterrey side looks to halt a three-match winless skid in Liga MX play when it hosts Puebla at Estadio BBVA on Saturday.

The Week 5 clash presents a critical opportunity for the Rayados to stabilize their season. Monterrey (2-3-2) is coming off a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Guadalajara on March 21, part of a recent slide that includes losses to Tigres UANL and Cruz Azul. Their only victory in the last five league matches was a 1-0 result over Leon on Feb. 14.

Despite the slump, statistical models heavily favor the hosts. Interstat’s ELO rating system gives Monterrey a 74.60 percent probability to win. However, the same service’s game simulator predicts a 1-1 draw, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued Monterrey.

Puebla (1-2-4) arrives seeking its first league win since the opening weeks. Their most recent result was a 1-0 loss at Atromitos on Feb. 28. The team’s form has been erratic, with a 3-1 victory over Asteras Tripolis on Feb. 14 showcasing attacking potential, but five losses in their last ten outings underscoring defensive vulnerabilities.

Historical context adds intrigue. The teams are scheduled to meet again in a quick turnaround on April 21 in a previously postponed fixture, making this a potential tone-setter for a doubleheader.

Monterrey’s attack, which produced four goals against Queretaro on March 4 but was blanked in its other two recent losses, will be tasked with breaking down a Puebla defense that has conceded multiple goals in six of its last ten matches.

The match kicks off at 5 p.m. local time in Guadalupe. Monterrey will look ahead to a visit from Atletico San Luis on April 4, while Puebla continues a difficult stretch of away fixtures.

Projected Lineups: Monterrey: (4-2-3-1) Andrada; Medina, Guzmán, Moreno, Gallardo; Romo, Rodríguez; Canales, Gómez, Cortizo; Berterame. Puebla: (4-4-2) Silva; Ferrareis, De Buen, Reyes, García; González, Castillo, Martínez, Tabó; Cavallini, Mancuello.

Injury Report: Monterrey reports no major injuries. Puebla will be without defender Diego González (hamstring).

Officials: Referee: Fernando Guerrero; VAR: Luis Enrique Santander.

Broadcast: Televisa (Mexico), ESPN (United States).