The struggling Chivas take on a Necaxa team that has scored 11 goals in their past three matches.
Necaxa will take on the Chivas at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara fresh off a stunning 3-0 win over Santos Laguna, but that scoreline was deceiving. The Rayos played very well, but Santos stars Brian Lozano and Julio Furch, as well as several other Guerreros failed to capitalize on their chances.
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Nonetheless, Necaxa captured the 3 points, lifting them to 9th place and on the rise, especially if they can maintain the level of play they showed against Santos. Let’s not forget, in Week 3, the Rayos annihilated Veracruz by scoring 6 second-half goals to win 7-0.
The Chivas, on the other hand, lost at home to a revitalized Leon side. Guadalajara didn’t look so good until the final 20 minutes, but by then they were losing 4-1. Coach Tomas Boy celebrated his team’s final 2 goals, dancing a jig each time, but the Chivas came up 1-goal short. Fans and critics alike wonder how much longer he will be patrolling the sideline.
The Chivas were in 8th place before last week’s loss, but fell to 11th before the weekend games began
Players to Watch
Necaxa: Several players have stepped up this season, but the big star last week was Maxi Salas, a young Argentine striker. Salas scored twice and was dangerous every time he had the ball at his feet. I expect him to be as dangerous against the Chivas, especially as Guadalajara looked vulnerable last week.
Guadalajara: Keep an eye on midfielder Dieter Villalpando. Eduardo “Chofis” Lopez has been the team’s top playmaker this season, but Villalpando will be facing his old team. When Dieter is healthy, he has shown real promise and is very secure with the ball and sees the field well. He works well in build-up, and makes the most out of every touch. This can help others, such as “Chofis,” find more room and encourages team movement because Dieter will find the open man with the pass.
Formations
Chivas: 5-3-2
Rodriguez
Van Rankin – Briseño – Molina – Alanis – Ponce
Brizuela – Chofis – Villalpando
Vega – Pulido
Necaxa: 4-4-2
Gonzalez
Chavez – Peña – Alvarado – Gonzalez
Delgado – Baeza – Gallegos – Angulo
Salas – Quiroga
Prediction
It’d be no surprise if the Chivas earn another penalty (they’ve had six so far this season), and I see one of Necaxa’s players getting sent off. However, the Rayos will make sure coach Boy’s hot seat gets even hotter by building up a lead and holding on. Still, I’m not sure another loss gets “El Jefe” fired just yet.