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Liga MX: Apertura 2018 – Jornada 2 Picks

By Garett Kerber

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MAY 02: Matias Alustiza of Pumas reacts during the quarter finals first leg match between Pumas UNAM and America as part of the Torneo Clausura 2018 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MAY 02: Matias Alustiza of Pumas reacts during the quarter finals first leg match between Pumas UNAM and America as part of the Torneo Clausura 2018 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Jornada 2 provides a second look at clubs around Liga MX. Some have already seen more time due to Copa MX matches, albeit often without their normal lineups. What do we think the outcome of these games will be?

Last week’s record: N/A-Absent

Morelia v Santos: Santos Laguna was able to start off their title defense with a 2-1 victory over Lobos, while Monarcas fell to Toluca last week, 2-0. The last 3 meetings between these clubs ended in a draw. That’s what my prediction will be this time around, as well. Julio Furch and Carlos Guzman will each net a goal and the match will end level. Monarcas 1 – Santos 1

Puebla v Toluca: Puebla was hammered 3-0 by Cruz Azul last week and was able to hold on to a 1-0 win in the Copa MX against Venados on Wednesday. Toluca hasn’t played since beating Monarcas 2-0 last week. So not only is Toluca a better side, they are more rested. Puebla will likely bunker down and hope to limit the damage and get a goal on a counter. Toluca might rip them up though. Ernesto Vegas and Rodrigo Salinas will provide the goals, Alfredo Talavera will provide the clean sheet. Puebla 0 – Toluca 2

More from Viva Liga MX

Queretaro v Pachuca: Who will score first…first? Neither team could come up with a goal last week. Queretaro drew 0-0 with Atlas and Pachuca dropped their match with Monterrey 0-1. Los Tuzos were able to secure a 2-0 win in the Copa MX on Tuesday, so I am predicting they’ll pull this one off because they got the taste of winning! Queretaro 1 – Pachuca 2

America v Atlas: Losing 2-1 to Necaxa is not how America thought their Apertura would begin. It could be worse, Atlas drew Queretaro in a goalless match and then slipped up against CA Zacatepec in the Copa MX. America won’t be taking them lightly after their Jornada 1 performance. Atlas is in for more disappointment. America 3 – Atlas 0

Guadalajara v Cruz Azul: Cruz Azul is the talk of the league after crushing Puebla 3-0. They now get a Chivas side still trying to figure out life with their new coach. They lost 2-1 to Tijuana last week. Both teams have had the whole week to prepare, having not had any Copa matches. I see Chivas getting an early lead, then Cruz Azul grabbing it back before halftime. La Maquina will then pump 2 more past Guadalajara keeper Raul Gudino. Chivas 1 – Cruz Azul 3

Pumas v Necaxa: Since taking out America 2-1 last week, the talk has focused mostly on America’s poor performance and less on a very solid one from Necaxa. Pumas won their opener as well, a 2-0 disposing of Veracruz, and then beat Ascenco side Tampico Madero 2-1 in the Copa MX. This should be a fun match, with a number of young players for both sides. I think Necaxa is the better squad though. Pumas 2 – Necaxa 3

Lobos v Veracruz: At least someone gets at least a point here. Veracruz lost their Copa MX match against Dorados on Wednesday 2-1, and lost in Jornada 1 against Pumas 2-0. Lobos has not done very well either, losing 2-1 to Santos. Lobos gives up goals and Los Tiburones have a difficult time scoring. Something has to give. Lobos 1 – Veracruz 2

Tigres v Tijuana: This is a fun matchup because Tigres is being talked up as one of the main title contenders, while Tijuana is relying on their defense to make up for their transfer losses. I like the matchup because it should give Xolos fans an idea of how stout this new look defense can be after the great year they had last season. If they can hold Tigres in check, there might be a slight reason for optimism from a playoff perspective. Leading up to this match, Tigres beat Leon 2-0, and lost to Ascenco club San Luis 2-1 in the Copa. Tijuana secures a 2-1 win over Guadalajara. Tigres will be too much. Tigres 2 – Tijuana 0

Leon v Monterrey: Leon has looked pretty poor thus far, falling to Tigres 2-0, and then going down 4-1 to Zacatecas before clawing back to a 4-3 loss in the Copa. Monterrey didn’t have a great first match but still beat Pachuca 1-0 on an Aviles Hurtado goal. If there are simply bugs for Monterrey to work out in their game, Leon looks like the team to do it against. Leon 0 – Monterrey 2

I’ll be watching America v Atlas most closely, but Jornada 2 has some good matchups that should make for an exciting weekend. Pumas against Necaxa and Tigres versus Tijuana look like they’ll be the best matches. You never know with Liga MX, though!

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