Monarcas visit last-place Queretaro in must-win game
Struggling Morelia takes on last-place Queretaro in a must-win game for visiting Monarcas and their coach Roberto Hernandez.
Morelia coach Roberto Hernandez has been on the hot seat for a few weeks now. Last week, his team coughed up a late lead and the Monarcas lost to Monterrey, while poor performances against Necaxa and Atlas preceded that tough loss.
The Monarcas have been playing very conservatively, relying on the counter heavily. Morelia has not won a league match since Matchday 3 against a poor Veracruz side, and the pressure is mounting on Hernandez. His job is probably on the line this weekend.
On the other hand, Queretaro has been in the dumps all this season, starting the season 0-0-7 and firing coach Rafa Puente last week. Ownership turned to the man led the Gallos Blancos to the Finals in the Clausura 2015 season – Victor Vucetich, aka “King Midas.” Vucetich led Queretaro to the Clausura 2016 Copa Mx title, defeating the Chivas in the final.
Times have changed though. Players that once made Queretaro formidable – i.e. goalie Tiago Volpi – aren’t around anymore. Vucetich is well aware of the situation and understands that even 1 point is vital. With the Gallos Blancos in the cellar almost halfway through the season, don’t be surprised if Saturday’s game turns into a defensive bout in what’s turning into a lost season for Queretaro.
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Last Match
Lobos B.U.A.P 3, Queretaro 1
Queretaro were dominated in every aspect of the game from shots on goal to time of possession, from shooting accuracy to pass completion rate. Still the Gallos Blancos scored first, getting on the board in minute 10, and seemed to be putting on a decent display. But they didn’t make it easy on themselves after the Lobos equalized 14 minutes later. Defender Victor Milke was sent off in minute 39 after a kick to the head of a Lobos player. The home team Lobos made all the right moves after halftime and were unlucky to only score 2 more goals as Queretaro was helpless to stop the onslaught.
Morelia 2, Monterrey 3
Morelia came up short against Monterrey, getting their hearts broken in stoppage time by Rayados midfielder Carlos Rodriguez. Morelia had 3 more shots on target than did Monterrey and were evenly matched in the game stats. The Monaracas played well but were outclassed by Rogelio Funes Mori who scored a brace. Then while sitting back and playing for a draw, Morelia got bombarded in the last 10 minutes by one of the most technically skilled Liga MX teams.
Possible line-ups
Morelia: 4-3-3
Sosa
Perez – Valadez – Vegas – Velarde
Rocha – Meraz – Lezcano
Sandoval – Ferreira – Sansores
The Monarcas will stick to what they know and won’t mix things up too much. Their 4-3-3 evolves into a 4-1-2-1-2 at times when they spread things out, but mostly they stick with tight lines and steady pressing and chasing. The only change I see from last week is that Ray Sandoval gets the start after he scored as a last week. He was an important play-maker against Monterrey. Morelia can’t lose focus defensively.
Queretaro: 4-3-3
Navarro
Peña – Romo – Perez- Sierra
Valencia – Guemez – Yrizar
Villalva – Sanvezzo – Del Valle
The Gallos Blancos will miss defender Victor Milke as he sits out a suspension as a result of that red card last week, but Alexis Perez can slot in and Jordan Sierra can play on the back line as he does for Ecuador at times. This opens a space for Paolo Yrizar in midfield where he got a bit of playing time last week. I expect them to be a bit more focused on defense this week as Morelia can open them up on the counter. If Camilo Sanvezzo or Ayron Del Valle can make a play, the Gallos Blancos could get their first win.
Prediction
I believe coach Hernandez will keep his job for another week while Queretaro looks likely to descend further into chaos before coach Vucetich can turn things around. The Gallos Blancos will win games under “King Midas,” just not yet. After last week, Morelia is frustrated and hungry and since this Morelia roster is playing for their jobs, this is a must win for the players as well.