With only 7 weeks of Liga MX left, a lot of teams are looking to make a late push to get into the playoffs and others are trying to do just enough to stay in the top 8. This weekend will feature quite a few interesting match-ups that can change things in the position group.
Veracruz vs Leon
This match-up really has nothing on the line as both teams find themselves in the botton of the table with Leon up by two pts on Veracruz. Last week Leon suffered a loss against Lobos BUAP, while Veracruz came out with a shocking victory over Santos 1-0. This match-up between the two will be a good match to watch as a gap filler. Expect both teams to come out and try to play their best as they try to finish the best they can. Veracruz has the hot hand now and they will ride that against Leon. Veracruz 2-1 Leon.
Toluca vs Atlas.
Toluca is looking to stay hot and remain in the top 8 to qualify for the playoffs. Atlas is trying to find something.. anything to get them out of the horrible slump they are in. Toluca will have zero trouble against a poor Atlas offense that has managed to score only 1 goal throughout the tournament. With that being said, look for Toluca to take advantage of this match-up to collect the three points and move up in the position table. Toluca 3-0 Atlas.
Queretaro vs Tigres
This will be one of the match-ups to look out for as Queretaro and Tigres will fight it out until the end. Both teams find themselves tied with 15 points and they are both coming off tie games against their respective opponents. Look for Queretaro to start early and try to feed the ball to Sanvezzo, who has been hot all season long and has been the only reliable scorer for Queretaro. As for Tigres, everyone is still waiting for them to reach their top form they’ve shown in recent years but maybe this is the year that they start declining. This will be the match-up of the day. Queretaro 2-2 Tigres.
Pachuca vs Cruz Azul
Pachuca is coming off a shocking defeat to Xolos and Cruz Azul bounced back against Atlas with a victory. Both teams are looking to gain momentum as they get closer to the playoffs. Pachuca is in a more difficult situation as they find themselves on the outside looking in, shy of 3 points to get in but they would have to win out to even be close to making it. As for Cruz Azul, they are still cruising in the number one spot but they only have a three-point lead on America and it’s important for them to maintain that lead or they could be at risk of losing it when they face America in the upcoming matches. This will be a tight game as both clubs are looking to gain the three points as they desperately need it. Pachuca 1 – 2 Cruz Azul.
Necaxa vs Santos
Both teams are coming off disappointment. One club is still in the playoff hunt, while the other is looking for something to build on for next season. I believe both teams will go all out, but Nexaca has less to lose than Santos. Lookout for Necaxa to make some adjustments and take early risks to open up the game and take an early lead. As for Santos, they might play it safe and take advantage of Necaxa mistakes. This will be a close one but Santos will come up on top. Necaxa 0-1 Santos.
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Monterrey vs Club Tijuana
As we get closer to the playoffs, the more competitive and important these matches get. Xolos are trailing Monterey by 2 points and find themselves barely missing the playoffs by one spot. There is a lot on the line for the both teams. I know I said the Queretaro and Tigres is a must watch, but this is another match you can’t miss. Monterrey has been inconsistent all tournament long and Xolos haven’t been the best either. Look for this to end in a tie as both teams battle it out but fall short of a victory. Monterrey 1-1 Club Tijuana.
Pumas vs Puebla
Pumas has done enough to stay in the middle of the pack of the top eight for the playoffs. Puebla has been too inconsistent and it has cost them valuable points that could have helped them this late in the tournament. Look for both clubs to come out for the victory and gain the important three points to gain ground in the table. Puebla will surprise everyone as they have done inconsistently all season. Pumas 1-2 Puebla.
Lobos vs Monarcas
Monarcas has not been able to get a win ever since their blowout defeat to Queretaro. Lobos are coming off a victory against Leon. Look for Monarcas to take advantage of this match-up to regain form and get back on the winning side. If there is a favorable match-up for Morelia to take advantage of, it is this one. Lobos will look to play spoiler in this match and prevent Morelia from gaining any points. Morelia 2-1 Lobos.
America vs Chivas
The game that everyone looks forward to and circle on their calendar. The Super Clasico is finally here! Both teams have been hot all tournament long and have been finding ways to get victories at the last-minute. America doesn’t look sharp at all during the games, but they are talented enough to pull off some wins, despite also going through some injuries. Chivas got off to a slow start, but found their way, getting closer little by little into the playoff hunt. This match will be important for both squads, as they are desperate for the three points, but also for all the trash-talking! This rivalry is one of the biggest in the continent! Expect both teams to leave it all out on the field. America 3-1 Chivas.