The Rayados play host to Leon desperate to turn things around after opening the Apertura 2019 with two losses.
As shocking as it could be, title hopeful Monterrey is sitting near the bottom of the league standings after back-to-back losses, a situation that has left the club’s fans in a sour mood. The well-stocked roster has not produced to the satisfaction of coach Diego Alonso, yet.
After a 4-2 home loss to America on opening night, the Rayados de Monterrey had an opportunity to regain their confidence when they visited Atletico San Luis in the second week of the tournament. Surprisingly, they lost 1-0 to the upstart team and now many people are wondering if Monterrey – and their fans – could be in for a long season.
The Rayados had only one shot on target against San Luis, indicating there is a problem that coach Alonso must address. With versatile and talented players up front like Rogelio Funes Mori, Dorlan Pabon, Aviles Hurtado as well as midfielders Rodolfo Pizarro and Charly Rodriguez, this team should be producing big numbers.
Soon enough, Dutch striker Vincent Janssen – newly acquired from Tottenham – will be given opportunities to help the offense find a rhythm and correct the the worst start for Rayados since the Clausura 2011.
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Leon is one of the teams to follow because they are intent on returning to the top of the table again after finishing the Clausura 2019 with the No. 1 seed.
The Esmeraldas visited Pachuca to open the season and they won convincingly (3-1), then battled America to a scoreless draw at home. Coach Ignacio Ambriz is not letting go of any points, that’s for sure.
Leon’s task will not be easy as they visit a wounded Monterrey at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer. It will be interesting to see how the home fans support their Rayados as there were audible boos cascading down from the stands during Monterrey’s 2-1 Copa MX win on Wednesday night.
Prediction
It is impossible to imagine that the Rayados could drop any more points at home, but with Leon’s arsenal, I believe a draw is rather likely. Both teams have powerful offensive attacks, so both defenses will be tested. This could be a high scoring game.