If you’re reading this, you’re likely a Liga MX fan. So unless you’ve been actively trying to ignore it, you know El Super Clasico is this Sunday. It’s kind of a big deal.
Liga MX, we know, is really good at unpredictability. Fortunately, one of the most enjoyable and frustrating things about sports is the unpredictability.
Take my fantasy football team, for instance. It seems no matter how much sense it makes to look at the match-ups and choose a starting quarterback, I never seem to pick the one that goes off for a billion points. Call it bad luck, faulty decision-making, or whatever you like, but the fact is sports are hard to predict.
It’s also what makes them so enjoyable. Though I know a few folks that can record a match and watch it for the first time in its entirety, for fun, after knowing the result, I can’t understand them. The not-knowing and the surprise are huge aspects of the pleasure sports can bring.
That brings us to my picks for the 11th matchday of Liga MX. Specifically, El Super Clasico. Scrolling through the #LigaMXEng Twitter-verse, you are bound to find a myriad of different predictions for this match ranging from the unrealistic homer-picks on either side to the theoretically more rational picks from neutrals. They all have their merit, though. Everyone’s perspective has a small kernel of truth that could shine through to varying degrees throughout a match, especially a rivalry such as the one between Chivas and Club America.
It would be a fascinating experiment to aggregate all the predictions for this match, come up with the average score guess, and see how that does against reality. For now, you’ll have to settle for my solo predictions.
You can also catch Luis Ramos’ predictions, in a separate piece.
Veracruz vs Leon
What happened to Leon, huh? Just when it appeared they had turned their season around and were on their way toward Liguilla, they crash back down to earth. Veracruz on the otherhand has been almost impressive, lately. Their draw against Santos last week certainly raised some eyebrows. Veracruz 1-1 Leon.
Toluca vs Atlas.
Though Atlas has been historic levels of inadequate on offense in this tournament, Toluca has been somewhat inconsistent in their journey to the top four. I don’t expect Atlas to emerge with their first win of the year, by any means, but I think Toluca might struggle a bit more than they should. Toluca 2-0 Atlas.
Queretaro vs Tigres
After that snooze-fest of a Clasico Regio, I’m not convinced Tigres cares about showing their strength until the Liguilla. They’ve not been able to switch on all season and I’m starting to wonder if it is even there this time around. Queretaro has certainly shown themselves capable of having a game of leaky defense, but they’re typically stout and so I’m not predicting a lot here. It should be an interesting game, at least. Queretaro 1-1 Tigres.
Pachuca vs Cruz Azul
Totally homering out here and picking Pachuca because I think Club America will win (more on that later) and Pachuca is certainly capable of helping Las Aguilas climb into a virtual tie at the top of the Liga MX table with Cruz Azul. We’ve been waiting for Cruz Azul to falter and, again, maybe it’s just my wishful thinking, but this is where it starts, I think. Pachuca 2 – 1 Cruz Azul.
Necaxa vs Santos
Check out my more in-depth preview. Basically, Necaxa is improving and is usually fun to watch. Santos can’t be happy with their performance last week. Santos’ determination will trump the Necaxa potential Necaxa 1-2 Santos.
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
Monterrey vs Club Tijuana
Like their Monterrey neighbors, Tigres, Monterrey has been a team we keep waiting to see breakout. Nothing about their roster says they should be where they are in the table: wondering about a Liguilla spot. Injuries have certainly played a role, but, on paper, they look like a team strong enough to overcome. Xolos have been less than impressive in the offensive department, but their stout defense is carrying them. Three straight 1-0 victories and they’ve just scored more than 1 goal in 2 matches this season. Playing percentages and form, I think we’ll get a low scoring draw. Monterrey 1-1 Club Tijuana.
Pumas vs Puebla
I keep doubting Pumas and they keep finding ways to stay higher in the table than I think they should be. It seems like the problem is me, not Pumas. Winning ugly is still winning, and their 36-year-drought-busting Copa MX victory should boost their confidence to have a solid performance against inconsistent Puebla. Pumas 2-1 Puebla.
Lobos vs Monarcas
Lobos got a W against Leon last week, so it’s time for another losing streak. Congrats on getting out of your slump, Monarcas! Morelia 2-0 Lobos.
America vs Chivas
The big one! If you aren’t excited for this match, you are either not a Liga MX fan, have some sort of disorder that makes you incapable of excitement, or had some really bad experience with this rivalry that ruined it for you. In any of those cases, I am deeply sorry. Truth. This is a fun match that will hopefully stay fun after we all saw how rivalries can go too far. I did a more in-depth prediction/preview piece, but I expect this match to be everything Clasico Regio was not last week. It should be back-and-forth, entertaining soccer that ends with a winner and contains a lot of excitement. I’m excited. Are you excited? I’m excited. Did I say that already? America 2-1 Chivas.