Struggling America hosts upstart Gallos Blancos
Los Gallos Blancos face their toughest test of the Apertura 2019 against America at Estadio Azteca.
The tables are turned this time around as Los Gallos Blancos have a better record than host America, but only slightly. Queretaro is in second place with 17 point (5-2-1) while the Aguilas are in fourth just 1 point behind (4-4-1).
America is struggling right now and has not won since Aug. 17, when they edged Morelia 1-0 at Estadio Azteca. Since then, the Aguilas have had three draws and a loss. In the interim, they also lost to the Tigres in the Leagues Cup (on a penalty kick shoot-out). We could also include the scoreless draw against the Chivas in friendly in Chicago during the FIFA break.
So things are not looking great for coach Miguel “Piojo” Herrera despite the acquisitions of Guillermo Ochoa and Giovani Dos Santos. America isn’t quite the powerhouse team that was predicted.
America has incentive against Queretaro, knowing that the SuperClasico against the Chivas looms in their upcoming schedule, the Aguilas will want to show something to the home fans. And certainly a win over Queretaro could provide America with the confidence it needs in their visit to Guadalajara on Matchday 12.
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Queretaro will be well-rested as they had a bye on the first Liga MX matchday following the FIFA break. As such, the Gallos Blancos have not played since Sept. 1, a middling 1-1 draw at home against Puebla. As a result and despite the rest, there might be rust.
Queretaro’s best bet is to play smart against the Liga MX giants and hope they can replicate the magical night in 2015 when the Gallos Blancos trounced the Aguilas 4-0 in Estadio Azteca. Victor Manuel Vucetich was the Queretaro coach back then, too, but the Gallos Blancos boasted Ronaldinho on their roster (and he scored twice).
Prediction
Club America is desperate for a win but in front of them is a team not afraid to come forward and make their mark as the visiting team. Queretaro has surprised many in this tournament and they are capable of coming away from Estadio Azteca with 3 points.