Club Atlético Nacional vs Once Caldas Prediction: Atletico Nacional Starting as Favorites at Home

In the upcoming fixture of the Colombia Categoria A, Apertura Matchday 1, Club Atletico Nacional will be up against Once Caldas at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot. The upcoming fixture is likely to be an interesting one, as the two sides played each other previously in October 2022, and Once Caldas swept a 1-0 win. This season will be an important one for Paulo Autuori as this will be his second stint with Atletico Nacional. In the previous season, Atletico Nacional fell short by a single point. 

The two sides have competed in 44 matches so far. Once Caldas has been successful in 12 matches, whereas Atletico Nacional has registered wins on 25 instances. Hence, Atletico Nacional leads the head to head win count by 13 games against Once Caldas. The goal scoring average of the two teams is around 2.25 goals per match. Hence, the upcoming matchup could result in a total of over 2.5 goals.

Club Atletico Nacional will be confident for the upcoming matchup against Once Caldas, as they are coming off a win against Alianza Lima (3-0) in a friendly fixture. With the likes of Oscar Perea, Cristian Blanco, and Juan Felipe in the lineup, Atletico Nacional can produce a thrilling performance as a group. With a splendid run in the last 10 home games, Atletico Nacional will be the favorite for the upcoming contest. With 5 wins and 4 draws in the last 10 home games, Atletico Nacional will be fancying its chances for winning again. Moreover, with a healthy goal scoring average of 1.80 goals per game at home, Atletico Nacional is likely to score two goals. 

Kevin Mier; Andrés Roman, Juan Felipe Aguirre, Cristián Zapata, Cristian Blanco; Nelson Palacio, Jhon Solis; Yerson Candelo, Dorlan Pabón, Óscar Perea; Francisco da Costa.

Going in the matchup, Once Caldas will be looking to brace for an impact after a break of 3 months. Once Caldas didn’t enjoy their away form previously as they won only 2 games from the last 10 played. With the availability of Leonardo Pico, Alejandro Garcia, and Guillermo Celis in the squad, Once Caldas can depute the best possible lineup. Talking specifically about the goal scoring and conceding averages, Once Caldas is scoring with an average of 0.90 goals per game in away fixtures. Whereas, the conceding average is 1.10 goals per game. Once Caldas will need to improve its goal scoring average as the tournament progresses.

Eder Chaux; Alejandro Artunduaga, Fainer Torijano, Jéider Riquett, Jorge Cardona; Leonardo Pico; Dannovi Quiñones, Alejandro García, Guillermo Celis; Santiago Muñoz, David Lemos.

In 8 of the last 10 home games of Atletico Nacional, both sides have scored, and the goal scoring averages reflect that the two sides are likely to score. I am predicting a 2-1 scoreline at the final whistle, with Atletico Nacional winning and scoring in both halves.

• Club Atletico Nacional to Win for 1.66
• Both Teams to Score - No for 1.672
• Correct Score 1-0 for 4.5