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Liga MX: Luis Ramos’ Jornada 12 Predictions

By Luis Ramos

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - SEPTEMBER 30: Goalkeeper Raul Gudiño of Chivas reacts during the 11th round match between America and Chivas as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jam Media/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - SEPTEMBER 30: Goalkeeper Raul Gudiño of Chivas reacts during the 11th round match between America and Chivas as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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We’re approaching crunch time in the Liga MX 2018 Apertura. Perhaps this will result in games going a bit more as we expect.

Last match week was one for the books. We saw a lot of surprising finishes across Liga MX with Cruz Azul losing to Pachuca and Atlas getting their first win against a strong opponent in Toluca. Last week also featured one of the most historic rivalry matches that resulted in a 1-1 tie, when America failed to convert the penalty against the Chivas. We can only hope that this week brings the same excitement.

Santos Laguna vs Atlas

Jornada 12 kicks off with two teams that are coming off hard-earned victories but are unfortunately heading into opposite directions in Second place Santos and last place Atlas. As much as we hope for Atlas to pull off another upset against Santos this week, it is very unlikely for it to happen. Expect Atlas to come out strong to try to continue that winning streak they started last week, but Santos is too big a task for Atlas. Not to mention that Santos are right behind Cruz Azul for the top spot in the leader board and will definitely take advantage of the weak opponent of Atlas to gain those easy three points. Santos 3-0 Atlas 

Veracruz vs Necaxa

A classic match-up where two bottom half teams are trying to find anything positive for their fan base to be happy  about. Both teams are coming off defeats and will look to tear each other apart as only three points separates them from each other. Look for a lot of action in this game and possibly some high scoring. Veracruz has been the hottest team of the two despite losing 4-0 to Leon. Necaxa have been very inconsistent and are riding a three game losing streak. Veracruz will make that a four game losing streak as the Tiburones Rojos look to finish the season strong. Veracruz 2-1 Necaxa.

Cruz Azul vs Monterrey

One of the must-see matches of the weekend will be when Monterrey take on Cruz Azul. This will be a fun match to watch because both of these teams find themselves in the top 5 of the table and separated by only three points. If Monterrey can play to their best and squeeze a win by Cruz Azul, that result can flip things around in the table. Cruz Azul, by suffering another loss this weekend, can potentially go from the number one spot to the number four spot, depending on how America and Santos fare in their respective matches. Can we possibly be witnessing another late season collapse by Cruz Azul, as they’ve managed to do before? This will be an important game for both clubs. There is a lot at stake here. Look for Monterrey to come out with everything they have and add more pressure to Cruz Azul, who have enough on their plate already. Monterrey 2-0 Cruz Azul.

Club America vs Tigres

This weekend is filled with a lot of exciting matches. Another one of those exciting matches with everything on the line is this match-up of America against Tigres. This will be one of those classic matches with a playoff feel to it. Tigres are looking to gain ground in the table and America is looking to jump up to first place with a victory and Cruz Azul loss. Unfortunately for America, they would have that spot already, but a last-minute game winning missed penalty by America has them stuck in second. Look for the possible return of Diego Lainez to give America a necessary boost in the attack. As for Tigres, they have been regaining top form that made them a dangerous championship team. In what can be a tight competitive match, it is only fitting for the end-result to be a tie. America 1-1 Tigres.

Leon vs Monarcas

Probably one of the least watchable matches of the weekend. Monarcas will be facing Leon, where both clubs find themselves tied at 13 points a piece. Monarcas haven’t won a game in six matches and continue to spiral down-ward. Leon, on the other hand, have managed to win games they should win. Last week, Leon faced Veracruz and defeated them 4-0. Now, another weak club comes in to face them in Monarcas. Look for Leon to handle business with them, too. Leon will take advantage of the wounded opponent. Leon 3-1 Monarcas.

Pumas vs Chivas

Pumas and Chivas will face off in an important match for both clubs. Pumas are currently sitting in the 5th position while Chivas are sitting on the 9th spot only a point shy for being in the top 8 spots for the playoffs. Pumas struggled last week to secure a victory over a Puebla club whom they had tortured in the first half but couldn’t do much against them in the second half. Chivas are coming off a Clasico tie against America with a brilliant performance from their goalkeeper Raul Gudino. Look for Gudino to keep up that performance against another tough rival in Pumas to help the Chivas stick in the game and walk-out with a victory. Pumas inconsistency all season long will show up again. Pumas 1-2 Chivas. 

More from Viva Liga MX

Club Tijuana vs Queretaro

This will be another of the forgotten matches this weekend. Queretaro and Tijuana both suffered losses last week and are looking to bounce back. I expect both teams to play with a sense of urgency, as they still have a short window to make it into the playoffs, but if they want to make it, they must turn it around now and play perfect soccer until the end of the season. I believe Queretaro will play with more hunger and have better talent to make it work. Queretaro 2-0 Club Tijuana.

Toluca vs Pachuca

Two teams that are coming off completely opposite results, Toluca suffered an embarrassing loss to an Atlas team that had not been able to win all season long. Pachuca is coming off an impressive victory over the leader Cruz Azul. Despite Toluca still occupying a better position than Pachuca, expect Pachuca to continue making a run for the top 8 spots to try to sneak into the playoffs. Pachuca currently hold the last spot for the playoffs, but by a thin margin. Therefore, Pachuca can’t afford to lose a game, because that can put them back in a bad spot. Toluca needs to make sure they don’t continue to lose against weak opponents and they should be fine. In a match where both teams have a lot to lose, I expect to see both clubs coming out in a defensive mode and avoid any big mistakes. Toluca 0-0 Pachuca.

Puebla vs Lobos Buap

This is essentially a meaningless game for both sides as they would both need to win all remaining games and have teams lose all of their remaining games in order for these two clubs to make the playoffs. Puebla managed to stick around vs Pumas and Lobos have managed to steer the ship in the right direction with a couple of wins,recently. Lobos will try to use this game to gain the points and separate themselves from the bottom of the league. Puebla will still play good football to help keep Ojito’s job. This will be a fairly even match between the two. Puebla 1-1 Lobos

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