ZAPOPAN (Interstat) — Tapatio will host Atl. Morelia in Liga de Expansión MX play on Saturday at Estadio AKRON in Zapopan, with both clubs looking to improve their form across all competitions.

Tapatio enters at 5-6-2 (wins-losses-draws) and is trying to recover from a 5-0 loss at Alacranes de Durango in its most recent match. That result followed a 4-1 home win over Tepatitlan de Morelos and a 4-2 home loss to Atletico La Paz. Tapatio has shown scoring potential at times this season, including a 4-0 win over Tlaxcala and a 4-2 victory at Zacatecas, but consistency has been an issue. Tapatio also won 3-2 at CF Correcaminos and lost 3-2 at Venados. Vladimir Moragrega is the player to watch for Tapatio. In recent action, he scored twice in 46 minutes against Tepatitlan de Morelos, scored once in 76 minutes against Atletico La Paz and played 90 minutes at Cancun. His ability to produce in limited minutes could be important as Tapatio seeks a positive result at home.

Atl. Morelia arrives at 7-4-2 across all competitions and has been the stronger side by record, though it is coming off a 2-1 home loss to Jaiba Brava. Morelia has mixed wins and draws in recent league play, including a 1-1 draw at Tepatitlan de Morelos and a 1-1 home draw with Tlaxcala. Earlier this season, Morelia posted a 2-0 win at Leones Negros, a 1-0 win at Zacatecas, a 4-1 home win over Oaxaca and a 4-1 home win over Cancun. Morelia also won 2-1 at Azul Hidalgo and 1-0 at Dorados de Sinaloa. Those results suggest Morelia can create separation when its attack finds rhythm, and the visitors will aim to respond after their latest setback.

The matchup presents a contrast between Morelia’s stronger overall record and Tapatio’s home setting at Estadio AKRON. Tapatio will need to avoid the defensive problems that surfaced in its last outing while finding Moragrega in dangerous areas. Morelia will try to control the game and restore momentum after a narrow defeat. Tapatio’s home support and Moragrega’s recent scoring touch give the hosts a clear route to a result, while Morelia’s overall record shows why the visitors remain dangerous. Atl. Morelia will try to use its edge in the standings to calm the match early.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Atl. Morelia 2, Tapatio 1. Interstat’s ELO system projects Tapatio with a 54.6 percent probability to win.