- Austin are on a 2-match losing streak, the latest blows were a 3-0 home win over Seattle followed by back-to-back away defeats to Houston and Colorado.
- Tijuana are unbeaten in their last five, picking up a 1-0 home win over León and a 0-0 draw away to Atlético de San Luis in their most recent two matches.
- Austin have won three, drawn one and lost six of their last ten games in all competitions, whereas Tijuana have a more impressive 6-3-1 record over their same number of games.
Set-piece and structure against pace and possession
Tijuana have been the more impressive of the two sides in all competitions this season and they look ready to pounce on Austin's recent struggles. Sebastián Abreu's side have a much better form record (6-3-1), have the momentum in their favor and should be able to avoid defeat in this Austin FC vs Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente prediction.
Davy Arnaud has been under pressure to get Austin back on track after his side's most recent shaky spell and his preferred 4-3-3 system is one that focuses on building up play in a structured way, being compact defensively and creating a set-piece threat.
Austin FC vs Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente preview suggests Tijuana are a completely different side in terms of their overall approach and are more direct, playing on the front foot and with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system that allows them to play combinations through the lines and carry the ball vertically.
Better to side with the visitors
Austin are listed at 2.3 ahead of their visitors at 2.7 and both odds look on the short side for Friday's match in Texas, with the draw on offer at 3.5. Our selection for the match is 'double chance' for the visitors (Tijuana) as Abreu's men have much the stronger momentum.
Over 2.5 goals at 1.65 and both teams to score at 1.55 also catches the eye as this should be a spirited contest with Austin looking to slow the pace and Tijuana keen to break lines and run through the pockets of space. Austin's set-piece play could be their best chance of pulling off an upset here, while Tijuana's ability to get in behind and disrupt the rhythm of the home side should keep them in the game for much of the match.
Austin FC vs Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente betting tips point to the visitors staying the more reliable side.
Austin FC vs Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente prediction is that Tijuana can avoid defeat once again.
