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Liga MX: Apertura 2018 – Jornada 4 Picks

By vivaligamx

QUERETARO, MEXICO - AUGUST 07: Everardo Stum of Queretaro celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the match between Queretaro and Mineros as part of the Copa MX Apertura 2018 at La Corregidora Stadium on August 7, 2018 in Queretaro, Mexico. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
QUERETARO, MEXICO - AUGUST 07: Everardo Stum of Queretaro celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the match between Queretaro and Mineros as part of the Copa MX Apertura 2018 at La Corregidora Stadium on August 7, 2018 in Queretaro, Mexico. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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MONTERREY, MEXICO – AUGUST 04: Rogelio Funes Mori of Monterrey fights for the ball with Luis Romo of Queretaro during the third round match between Monterrey and Queretaro as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at BBVA Bancomer Stadium on August 4, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
MONTERREY, MEXICO – AUGUST 04: Rogelio Funes Mori of Monterrey fights for the ball with Luis Romo of Queretaro during the third round match between Monterrey and Queretaro as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at BBVA Bancomer Stadium on August 4, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Luis’ Picks

Puebla-Veracruz

This should be an interesting match as both teams look to fight their way out of the bottom of the table and put some sort of spark into their rough seasons. For Puebla, that spark may have come in the victory over Toluca but then they suffered a defeat to Santos the following week. For Veracruz, they are still looking for the spark and haven’t looked sharp in any of their games. For this matchup, look for Puebla to take over the game early and hit cruise control by the second half. My Pick is: Puebla 4-2 Veracruz

Monarcas-Necaxa

This will be a fun match to watch as both teams like to score goals as much as they receive goals. Monarcas have scored 5 and received 5 while Necaxa has scored 6 and received 6. I’m sure both teams will look to make some defensive adjustments to prevent from being scored on but in this match with two young teams that are looking to make a mark on this tournament I expect them to go all out, especially since only 2 points is what separates both. My pick: Necaxa 4-3 Monarcas

Lobos BUAP-Atlas

Well…. I did say Puebla and Veracruz were fighting their ways out of the bottom of the table but I think these two teams are literally fighting their way out. Lobos have three points from a win over Veracruz which kinda doesn’t count and Atlas have only one point that they gained from a tie game vs Queretaro. The one thing that stands out to me about Atlas is that they have yet to score in any of their three matches this season. With that being said, I must give this game to Lobos despite the added motivation for Atlas to perform better with Rafa Marquez now taking over as Sporting director.                                                                                  My Pick: Lobos BUAP 2-1 Atlas.

Tigres-Toluca

This will be another intriguing match-up to watch as Tigres look to bounce back from an 0-1 defeat to Cruz Azul and Toluca is hoping to find their winning ways again after tying and losing their last two games. Tigres hope to have Gignac back from an infection illness he suffered that caused him to miss the last match. Having Gignac back in the lineup will be a big plus for them to strengthen their attack against a defense that has allowed 4 goals in 3 matches this season and will be without key player Alfredo Talavera. Toluca will rely heavily on the attack to keep them in this game and hopefully can strike first against a strong Tigres defense that has only conceded one goal in this tournament. Tigres are a stronger and more disciplined team and Toluca will be missing their star goalkeeper. My pick: Tigres 3-1 Toluca

Leon-Queretaro

Leon is off to a horrible start. They’ve managed to score once in three games while conceding five and managing to gain only one point. Queretaro in the other hand have played decent football and are coming off a 2-1 defeat to a strong Monterrey team. There isn’t much to be said here but that it is Queretaro’s game to lose. My Pick: Queretaro 2- 1 Leon

America-Monterrey

This is easily the game of the week. America and Monterrey are two strong teams sitting near the top of the table and coming off victories against poor opponents. America will be led by youngster Diego Lainez, who caught fire against Pachuca. They’ll want to keep that fire going and produce more opportunities. Monterrey are led by Rodolfo Pizarro and will try to keep their perfect streak alive and remain on top of the three-way tie for the number one spot. Needless to say, Monterrey has not faced any real tests yet but America will be their first and it will be fun to watch. My pick America 2-1 Monterrey. 

Pumas-Pachuca

Pumas are number one in the table and Pachuca find themselves dead last. Unless there is some major shake-up in Pachuca or Pumas don’t show up, I  expect Pumas to take this game. My pick: Pumas 4-0 Pachuca

Chivas-Santos

I can’t think of a reason why someone should watch this game unless they are a fan of one of the teams. Chivas have managed to only gain one point and Santos, the reigning champions, are looking to move forward with a whole new coaching staff after the shocking resignation of coach Robert Siboldi. With that being said, if Chivas lose, it will be interesting to see what the front office will do moving forward with Cardozo. Santos hopes to continue to build on last seasons success and hopefully the coaching change doesn’t affect them much. My pick: Santos 1-0 Chivas. 

Cruz Azul-Club Tijuana 

This is a match-up of two teams moving in opposite directions. Cruz Azul is riding on a perfect run and Tijuana is looking to find some sort of consistency for a positive run. The season is still young and a lot can happen, but after their statement-making victory over Tigres, Cruz Azul will face a less difficult task going up against the Xolos. After coming off a draw vs Leon – a match that Xolos should’ve won – they will have a hard time going up against a bigger challenge in Cruz Azul. My Pick: Cruz Azul 2- 0 Club Tijuana.

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