On Saturday, February 15th Club America will host Atlas as part of Jornada 6 of the Clausura 2020. Club America will try to continue that good run of form after a 2-1 victory against a tough opponent like Queretaro on the road. The last time Atlas and America met the Rojinergros embarrassed las Aguilas 3-0.
Projected Lineups
Club America: Guillermo Ochoa; Paul Aguilar, Bruno Valdez, Emanuel Aguilera, Luis Fuentes- Sebastian Cordova, Fernando Gonzalez, Richard Sanchez, Andres Ibarguen; Leo Suarez- Federico Viñas
Atlas: Camilo Vargas; Javier Abella, Hugo Nervo, German Conti, Ismael Govea- Manuel Balda, Edgar Zaldivar, Luciano Acosta, Jesus Isijara- Ignacio Jeraldino, Marcelo Correa
Referee: Fernando Hernandez Gomez
Team News
Club America
Club America managed a very important win away from home last Sunday vs Queretaro. Las Aguilas are having a very good start to the season despite all the obstacles being thrown their way. The team has 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw this season. Las Aguilas start Jornada 6 of the Clausura with 10 points and are currently in 4th place.
Sebastian Caceres and Federico Viñas are back from international duty and will be available for Miguel Herrera to consider.
Jorge Sanchez will remain on the bench as Miguel Herrera will continue to ride the hot hand with Luis Fuentes.
Giovanni Dos Santos and Henry Martin will be on the bench. They both picked up small knocks during the week and Miguel Herrera wants to save them for the Concacaf Champions League Match vs Comunicaciones on Wednesday.
Atlas
Atlas has been a struggling side so far this season. The Rojinegros are coming into this match having lost 3 of their last 4 games. Rafa Puente had a disappointing debut as the new Atlas head coach and will look for a bounceback performance from his side vs Club America.
Lorenzo Reyes suffered an injury vs Morelia that will have him sidelined for 4-6 months.
Ian Torres will not be available for Atlas this match due to the red card he picked up vs Morelia last week.
Key Matchups
Andres Ibarguen vs Javier Abella
Andres Ibarguen was able to bag himself a brace in the last Club America match vs Queretaro. Ibarguen showed that he can show up when the club needs him. Despite Ibarguen’s good performance he still has some flaws in his game.
Ibarguen loves to have the ball on his feet way too much. On many occasions, the Colombian has space to carry the ball but decides to cut back and wait to try and take on a player instead. Club America would be a much dangerous side if Ibarguen would his speed. Ibarguen will be going up against Javier Abella most of the match.
Javier Abella is a player that has very good speed but at times makes very silly mistakes. Abella will have to be on top of his game if he wants to stop Andres Ibarguen.
Javier Abella loses the ball on average about 11 times per game, this is something America will look to capitalize on because Miguel Herrera’s side has players with the ability to do so.
Sebastian Cordova vs Edgar Zaldivar
Sebastian Cordova continues to solidify himself as a starter for Miguel Herrera. The 22-year-old Mexican international continues to look like Club America’s next gem. Cordova is a very versatile player and continues to take on multiple roles for Las Aguilas.
Cordova can create chances and isn’t afraid to take on the chances himself. Cordova has proved he has a very good shot from outside the box, which can be one of the keys to opening up the Atlas defense. If Cordova takes the role of an attacking midfielder he will match up against Edgar Zaldivar most of the match.
Edgar Zaldivar lines up as the man to step up in the absence of Lorenzo Reyes. The 23-year-old Atlas academy product will have big shoes to fill as Reyes had been one of Atlas’ most impressive players this season.
Federico Viñas vs Hugo Nervo
Federico Viñas is back with Las Aguilas after the Uruguayan National Team fell short of qualifying for the Olympics. The Uruguayan forward will not get a rest as he will immediately be in Miguel Herrera’s starting lineup.
Viñas proved the last liguilla that he has the potential to become the main target up front for Las Aguilas. Viñas will look to pick up where he left off after scoring in every round of the liguilla. Viñas is a very strong physical striker, with the ability to score from anywhere.
Atlas has struggled to keep goals out of their net all season long, the Rojinegros are coming off a 3-1 loss to Monarcas Morelia. Hugo Nervo has been one of the players that have managed to look decent despite the number of goals they have allowed.
Nervo is a player that covers a lot of ground and can play as a center back or a right center back if Atlas decide to go with a back 5. Nervo is also a player that recovers a lot of possession for Atlas and will play a crucial role in not allowing Viñas to be that link-up between the midfielders.