Believe it or not, we are now officially at the halfway point of the regular season! With time quickly running out for several clubs that are fighting
Believe it or not, we are now officially at the halfway point of the regular season! With time quickly running out for several clubs that are fighting for playoff positions, let’s take a look at Week 9 of the 2017 Apertura.
Morelia vs Tigres — Friday, September 15th (5pm PT/8pm ET)
Following wins over Pumas, America and Lobos BUAP, Morelia has rapidly moved up the league table. Are Los Canarios true playoff contenders or are they just on a lucky run of good form? A daunting game against a highly-talented Tigres roster should do plenty to provide answers for that question.
Morelia’s recent form: LLWWW (6th place)
Tigres’ recent form: DLWDW (5th place)
Player to watch: Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia). If Morelia can earn a shocking victory over Tigres, it will likely be due to the Peruvian striker. Ruidiaz is on fire with five goals in his last four games.
Prediction: Ruidiaz and company will make this one interesting, but Tigres should be hungry for a win after failing to earn a spot in the Copa MX knockout round. I’ll go with a narrow but tough 2-1 victory for Tigres.
Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna — Saturday, September 16th (3pm PT/6pm ET)
With 11 draws in total between the two rosters, it’s easy to think that this might end up as the 12th. While Cruz Azul has so far remained undefeated with low-scoring wins and draws, Santos have gradually started to pick up their form after a poor start to the Apertura.
Cruz Azul’s recent form: DWDDD (7th place)
Santos’ recent form: LLDWD (14th place)
Player to watch: Diego de Buen (Santos). De Buen has quietly done very well for Santos this season. With a high work-rate that provides plenty of tackles and interceptions, as well as accurate distribution, the defensive midfielder is one to keep an eye on.
Prediction: Surprise! I’m going with a 1-1 draw here. I think Santos’ underrated squad has a chance to earn an unexpected victory but recent results indicate another low-scoring tie.
Monterrey vs Atlas — Saturday, September 16th (5pm PT/8pm ET)
This one might get ugly for Atlas. Los Rayados are charging into this game with more goals and points than any other team in the league. As for Atlas, although newcomer Ravel Morrison will provide a nice change of pace, it’s seriously doubtful that the Englishman will be able to be much of a threat to Monterrey.
Monterrey’s recent form: WWWDW (1st place)
Atlas’ recent form: LLLDL (16th place)
Player to watch: Ravel Morrison (Atlas). In spite of Monterrey’s star power, all eyes will be on Morrison. After making his Atlas debut in the Copa MX earlier this week, the former Manchester United player is likely set to earn some minutes this weekend.
Prediction: It’s going to be fun to watch Morrison but the same can’t be said for the rest of his Atlas teammates. I’m predicting a one-sided 3-0 win for Monterrey.
Leon vs Pachuca — Saturday, September 16th (5:06pm PT/8:06pm ET)
Can new manager Gustavo Diaz go two for two with Leon? Following his first match and victory with Los Panzas Verdes, Diaz now has a complicated clash against a weakened but dangerous Pachuca roster. Looking at Los Tuzos, Pachuca is in desperate need of a wake-up call after earning two losses in a row.
Leon’s recent form: WLWLW (9th place)
Pachuca’s recent form: WWWLL (11th place)
Player to watch: Keisuke Honda (Pachuca). The biggest Liga MX signing of the summer still has much to prove. The Japanese superstar should not only be eager to impress, but should also be motivated to help carry his struggling squad.
Prediction: Honda is due for a headline-stealing performance. With the former AC Milan player taking charge, I’ll go with an exciting 3-2 win for Pachuca.
Necaxa vs Puebla — Saturday, September 16th (7pm PT/10pm ET)
Regardless of the opposition, it’s difficult to feel confident about Puebla in any match. Necaxa isn’t the most imposing rival, but its solid defense should be enough to halt any danger from Los Camoteros. With only one win and six points in the tournament, Puebla is stumbling into this weekend at last place.
Necaxa’s recent form: LDDWL (8th place)
Puebla’s recent form: DWLLD (18th place)
Player to watch: Moises Muñoz (Puebla). Muñoz is the only thing truly saving Puebla this Saturday. It will likely be up to the goalkeeper to provide at least a vital draw.
Prediction: I would say that Necaxa walks away with three points, but I’m still not that convinced with the team’s attack. It might take a bit of luck for Puebla, but I’m predicting a 0-0 draw.
Chivas vs Pumas — Saturday, September 16th (7:06pm PT/10:06pm ET)
After earning their first win of the regular season, there’s no better opponent for Chivas this week than Pumas. The Mexico City club is tumbling down the league table with four losses in a row and only scored once during that run. As for Chivas, several key players are finally beginning to find much-needed momentum in the tournament.
Chivas’ recent form: LLDDW (15th place)
Pumas’ recent form: WLLLL (17th place)
Player to watch: Jose Juan Vazquez (Chivas). Like the rest of his teammates, Vazquez is beginning to hit his stride in the Apertura. Keeping in mind that call-ups for El Tri are also set to be announced later on this month, the midfielder should be pushing for a good performance.
Prediction: There’s no reason why Chivas should lose this one. I’ll go with a 2-0 win for the home team that is showing improvements during the past few weeks.
Toluca vs Queretaro — Sunday, September 17th (10am PT/1pm ET)
Despite the fact that Queretaro is tied for the second-worst goal differential in the league, Los Gallos Blancos have been able to hold onto their midtable position with two narrow wins. Queretaro has generally appeared average at best in the attack, and considering Toluca’s eight-game undefeated streak at home in all competitions, Los Diablos Rojos will have the upper-hand.
Toluca’s recent form: DDLWD (4th place)
Queretaro’s recent form: WDLDL (12th place)
Player to watch: Javier Guemez (Queretaro). I’m probably not giving Queretaro enough credit here and one player who can help control possession is Guemez. Although inconsistent, the defensive midfielder has the talents to help gain at least a draw.
Prediction: Predicting a win for Toluca is the easy answer here, but I can’t help but feel as if Queretaro players like Aldo Arellano, Camilo Sanvezzo and Guemez will put up a good fight. Let’s go with a 1-1 draw in Toluca.
Veracruz vs Lobos BUAP — Sunday, September 17th (4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET)
To understand the significance of this clash, all you need to do is look at the current relegation table; both Veracruz and Lobos BUAP currently sit at the bottom of the list. Sunday’s match not only represents a battle for a win, but also crucial points that could help avoid relegation.
Veracruz’s recent form: WDLWL (10th place)
Lobos BUAP’s recent form: LLDLL (13th place)
Player to watch: Julian Quiñones (Lobos BUAP). With six goals and one assist in the Apertura, there’s no way we can ignore the 20-year-old Colombian.
Prediction: Lobos BUAP can’t fail to earn another win here. The recently-promoted team has exceeded expectations before and should be able to secure three points on Sunday. I’m predicting a 2-1 win for Lobos BUAP.
Liga MX match of the weekend
Club Tijuana vs Club America — Friday, September 15th (7pm PT/10pm ET)
Why read a quick preview when you can check out an entire article devoted to the game! You can read it here.
