It’s been a busy week in Liga MX and it’s been a busy week for us here at Viva Liga MX too! I’ll be the lone predictor this round of matches.
With Liga MX having double the matches this week, it’s double the fun. America looks to bounce back from a 2-0 loss, Chivas hopes to get a winning streak going, Santos is aiming to be the first to knock off Cruz Azul, and it all starts tonight!
Here are my picks! Don’t use me to do any betting. I’m still getting my predicting legs under me!
Atlas – Chivas
Crazy things happen in rivalry matches. Atlas still hasn’t scored and Chivas has actually held a pretty decent defensive record thus far. Part of me wants to pick Atlas to win, but I think the more likely outcome is Atlas 1 – Chivas 1.
Pachuca – Puebla
Both teams have been up and down this season, but Pachuca is starting to find their way a bit as of late. Puebla has found the back of the net a couple more times on the year, but Pachuca is catching up and is conceding less, despite their horrid start to the year. Pachuca 1 – Puebla 0
America – Pumas
Returning to Estadio Azteca is going to be a nice boost for Las Aguilas. Both sides are on a bit of a streak of poor form, but Pumas has looked like they were playing above their heads a bit from the beginning. I don’t think either team will look like they’ve totally figured out how to right the ship just yet, but I suspect America will be happier with the result. America 2 – Pumas 1
Veracruz – Xolos
Los Tiburones Rojos have returned to their customary place near the bottom of the standings. Xolos is under-performing, based on some of the talent they have and the outcomes they’ve received. Three draws in six games indicated a solid team that is still learning how to win matches. Veracruz struggles to score or stop anyone from scoring. Bad combo. Veracruz 1 – Xolos 2
Necaxa – Tigres
Los Rayos hit the skids a bit recently and a 1-0 loss to Chivas after a thrilling comeback draw against Puebla is certainly a disappointment. Tigres, on the other hand, was able to get a nice confidence boost against Veracruz mid-week, throttling Los Tiburones 4-0. Necaxa is in for it, I’m afraid. Necaxa 1 – Tigres 3
Monterrey – Monarcas
Monterrey had a little more trouble with Lobos than expected, needing a stoppage time goal to get the full three points. They are at home against Monarcas, however, which should give them the boost they need to win. Monarcas is a sneaky good team, however, so don’t be surprised for this to be decided on a late goal again for Los Rayados. Monterrey 2 – Monarcas 1
Queretaro – Lobos
I’m a bit of an underdog fan, or at least I have a soft spot for them, so Lobos BUAP hold a place in my heart right now as a club that just keeps plugging away, trying to establish themselves. While Queretaro is the better side, Lobos have been surprisingly stingy defensively this Apertura, giving up just 8 goals. Queretaro has had difficulty scoring, but also have a good defensive record, allowing just seven goals in six matches. That is even with their 4-0 loss to Leon. Queretaro 2 – Lobos 0
More from Viva Liga MX
- Guillermo Ochoa is out 4-6 weeks
- The Clásico Regiomontano is Heating Up
- Pumas: In Search of Regaining a Top Spot
- Why the United States Is Set to Overtake Mexico on the World Stage
- Erick Gutierrez is out once again
Toluca – Leon
Here’s two teams that have really turned things around since the first few matches. Three points separate the two with Toluca sitting on 10 points and Leon on 7. Leon will hope his 2 goals in their 2-0 win over America will have gotten Mauro Boselli going so they can improve on their 7 goals in 6 matches to push their way up the table. Toluca looks more like the team I picked to win the Apertura now, though they did just lose 1-0 to table leaders Cruz Azul. I think Toluca’s rise continues, but Leon will remain confident. Toluca 2 – Leon 1
Santos – Cruz Azul
This is my personal game of the week, if it isn’t everyone’s. Cruz Azul is still unbeaten in 6 matches, while Santos sits third in the table despite losing the spine from their title-winning team in the offseason and then losing their championship coaching staff just a short while ago. I’m super excited to watch Julio Furch and Jona Rodriguez go up against Roberto Alvarado and Elias Hernandez in what should be an amazing match. I’m really confident in the ability of this Santos team, despite their near loss to Xolos on Wednesday. Cruz Azul is really good, but they aren’t “undefeated Apertura” good. Los Guerreros will deal them their first loss. Santos 2 – Cruz Azul 1