Atletico Nacional vs Union Magdalena Prediction: Pablo Autuori Feeling the Heat and Pressure

In the upcoming fixture of the Colombia Categoria A, Matchday 16, Atletico Nacional will take on Union Magdalena at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot. According to the current table standings, Atletico Nacional is ranked 10th with 4 wins and 19 points, while Union Magdalena is ranked 18th with 2 wins and 14 points. Atletico Nacional and Union Magdalena last played against each other in August 2022, resulting in a high-scoring draw (2-2).

Atletico Nacional - Coming off a Draw Against Envigado (DWLWD)

Going into the matchup, Atletico Nacional is coming off a draw against Envigado (0-0), in which Oscar Perea, Jefferson Duque, and Barhaian Palacios failed to make an impact. Dorlan Pabon was issued a red card suspension in the 87th minute of play. For the upcoming match at home, Atletico Nacional might play with a different formation instead of 4-4-1-1. Taking positives from the last match, Atletico Nacional had 56% possession and an accurate passing percentage of 77%. With the presence of Mier, Candelo, and Palacio in the lineup, Atletico Nacional will be hoping for a win at home. With 5 goals scored in the last five matches played, Atletico Nacional averages 1.00 goal per game. In three of the last five matches, Atletico Nacional has struggled to score. Therefore, the upcoming matchup will be an important one for the home side.

Expected Opening Lineup for Atletico Nacional

Kevin Mier; Andrés Román, Cristian Castro, Cristián Zapata, Danovis Banguero; Nelson Palacio, Sebastián Gómez, Yerson Candelo, Jefferson Duque, Jader; Tomás Ángel.

Union Magdalena - Hoping to Move Away from the Relegation Zone (DLLDW)

Moving forward in the contest, Union Magdalena is coming off a draw against Millonarios (1-1), in which Isaac Camargo scored the opening goal in the 38th minute of play. With the likes of Mercado, Pena, and Romero in the starting lineup, Union Magdalena will be looking to find the net early in the game. With 4 goals scored in the last five matches played, Union averages 1.00 goal per game. In the last two away matches, Union has failed to win, registering a defeat and a draw. When playing away from home, Union averages 0.60 goals in the last 10 matches. Against the scoring average, Union has conceded goals at an average of 1.70 in the last 10 away matches. Hence, Union doesn't reflect a formidable away record. However, Union is expected to break the shackles and attack.

Expected Opening Lineup for Union Magdalena

Ramiro Sánchez; José Mercado, Jermein Peña, Nicolás Gil, Brayan Correa; Alexander Mejía, Fabián Cantillo, Gianfranco Baier, Yamil Romero, Joel Contreras; Isaac Camargo.

Expert Betting Tips

With the absence of Dorlan Pabon, Nacional might struggle with scoring upfront. However, the upcoming home match will be an important one to secure three points and make a ground in the top eight standings. Union has failed to register a win in its last 6 away matches. Therefore, the upcoming contest is likely to have Union starting as favorite. The match total is expected to be under 2.5 goals, and Atletico Nacional to score at least a goal. 

• Atletico Nacional Medellin to Win for 1.50
• Both Teams to Score - No for 1.65
• Total Under 2.5 for 1.79