Fansided

Liga MX: Will Pumas run continue past America?

By Garett Kerber

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - DECEMBER 06: Alan Mozo (L) of Pumas fights for the ball with Roger Martinez (R) of America during the semifinal first leg match between Pumas UNAM and America as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - DECEMBER 06: Alan Mozo (L) of Pumas fights for the ball with Roger Martinez (R) of America during the semifinal first leg match between Pumas UNAM and America as part of the Torneo Apertura 2018 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Possible line-ups

Club America: 5-3-2

Marchesin
Aguilar – Alvarez – Valdez – Aguilera – Sanchez
Rodriguez – Uribe – Lainez
Peralta – Martinez

Three games now, Miguel Herrera has put Las Aguilas out in a 5-3-2. It’s hard to envision him straying from that now. After the first leg, Piojo was talking about America controlling the match for the most part, indicating he thinks the frustrating performances are due to something other than poor tactics or players playing with little fire. Lainez got the start on Dec. 6, and was taken off in the 71st minute, but scored the only goal for America. My preference would be to use him as a sub in the second half, if this is the way Piojo is set on playing. Renato Ibarra is one of the teams best offensive players, and should start in his place if they continue with the back five approach.

Pumas UNAM: 3-4-3

Saldívar
Iniestra – Arribas – Quintana
Mozo –Cabrera – Malcorra – M. Rodríguez
Barrera – Mora – González

Pumas need a win or for the game to end in a draw of 2-2 or better in order to advance. Therefore, I’d expect to see them play on the front foot from the start. They are one of the more direct teams in Liga MX, which could serve them well in this situation or the Azteca pitch that has been in rough shape and awful for the more possession-based sides.

Felipe Mora and Carlos Gonzalez will be Pumas top threats, as usual. If America sits back and plays to not lose, though, Pumas could see their midfield make a big impact.

Home/Club America