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Jornada 13 Preview: Super Derby
America and Chivas will renew hostilities in Mexico's best derby, which will be played in Estadio Azteca on Sunday to close out Jornada 13.
Oct 23, 2009 11:05:07 AM
The Superclasico bewteen Chivas and America will be played out in Estadio Azteca on Sunday as Jornada 13 will close out in style. This latest edition doesn't have title implications or anything - though a loss could be damaging to the loser's playoff hopes. But the game will have the intensity of a final, as it usually does, even if the teams are not on similar footing in league.
Goal.com's Mexico Game of the Week
America vs. Chivas, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET
If recent results mean anything, America should be considered favorites. America have a better record (6-2-4 to 4-5-3), have a better offense (23 goals scored to 16 for Chivas), tighter defense (11 goals allowed to Chivas' 21) and more stability (Chivas already have changed managers). But if the Superclasico has proved anything, it is that recent results and form hardly ever matters. Chivas are still in the playoff chase but the club is not a title contender this season, having had too many distractions and low points through just 12 games. But that doesn't mean they won't compete in Estadio Azteca. Chivas have won the last three Clasicos and will be motivated once more against their arch rivals. But America have turned their season around and are the strongest they've been since the Clausura 2007 season, the last time they made the playoffs. America dropped seven goals on Toluca at home already this season and would love nothing more than to pound Chivas into submission as well. They'll do so, to a lesser scale.
Prediction: America, 3-1.
FRIDAY
Estudiantes vs. Toluca, 9 p.m. ET
Estudiantes' season has gone awry and the club is only playing out the string. Estudiantes have lost six of their last seven games, their only triumph a win over lowly Indios. Toluca should have no problem getting past Estudiantes. After all, los Diablos have all but wrapped up the Group 1 title, having opened a nine-point lead on San Luis. Toluca tied 1-1 in CONCACAF Champions League play against DC United at home on Tuesday but the club should come in focused and well-prepared for some Friday night futbol.
Prediction: Toluca, 2-0.
SATURDAY
Gallos Blancos vs. Cruz Azul, 6 p.m. ET
As amazing as it might sound Queretaro will try to get their third win in a row against Cruz Azul. The last time that Gallos Blancos strung three in a row in the top flight was in the 1992-1993 season. Cruz Azul hasn’t really impressed of late and has only one victory in their last three encounters. Cruz Azul do count on Emanuel Villa though who could easily add to his 11 goal tally against Queretaro. Jose Aceves will not play for Queretaro for he is suspended. Haracio Cervantes is injured for Cruz Azul and will not feature. Ramon Nuñez and Alejandro Vela are listed as doubtful for the Cementeros.
Prediction: Cruz Azul, 3-0.
Jaguares vs. Santos, 6 p.m. ET
Jaguares playing at home should already indicate a victory for Santos. Why? You might ask. Jaguares is the worst home team in the league. They haven’t won a single game in the Victor Manuel Reyna. As for Santos there is nothing negative that could be said about this team. They have not lost in their last seven games and are virtually on cruise control towards the Liguilla. If that wasn’t enough Santos could be crowned champions in their yet to be debuted stadium. Santos fans, it’s good to be you right now. Jaguares have Adolfo Bautista and Josiel Da Rocha listed as doubtful. Alan Zamora will also be missing thanks to injury. Santos reported a full and healthy squad for the weekend’s game.
Prediction: Santos, 4-2.
Tigres vs. San Luis, 8 p.m. ET
Both Tigres and San Luis have given something to talk about in the last two Jornadas. Tigres is coming off a victory against Cruz Azul and then a tie against Toluca. San Luis also tied against Toluca and then beat out Pumas. The Gladiators have slowly made their way into the second slot of group 1 which puts them in position for a Liguilla berth. Tigres has to keep on rolling if they want to make it in. Tigres will be without their manager Daniel Guzman due to a suspension and will also miss the services of Jose Rivas who is injured. San Luis is not reporting any losses for Saturday’s game.
Prediction: Draw, 2-2.
Pachuca vs. Indios, 8 p.m. ET
Group 2 has is tightening down as the league is coming to an end, and a win for Pachuca could propel them to one of the coveted eight play off places. Pachuca will be going into the game against Indios with a loss as the precedent; the Tuzos fell 2-0 against Morelia. Indios have more to worry about because they are dead last in the general table, and are also near the bottom in the relegation percentage table as well. Pachuca has had mixed results at the Hidalgo, and will host an Indios without Juan Pablo Rodriguez, Javier Malagueño, and possibly Daniel Frias all due to injury. Pachuca are slightly better off with only Javier Francisco Torres out because of an injury. However, the battle appears to be tougher for Indios as they’ve lost all away games except one.
Prediction: Pachuca, 2-0
Atlante vs. Atlas, 10 p.m. ET
Atlante will host Atlas in a non-direct group game, but nevertheless have high impact on the standings Atlas has a strong possibility of making it to the Liguilla as the battle for the second spot of group 1 is up for grabs, while Atlante need to make a strong run to wrestle the second place away from Cruz Azul. The last game between the two teams ended in favor of Atlas, but in Cancun the teams split the points. The season has been a roller coaster for both teams this season. Atlante will be without Luis Gerardo Venegas while Atlas miss Dario Botinelli, as he will stay behind and continue his recovery.
Prediction: Draw, 1-1
SUNDAY
Pumas vs. Monterrey , 1 p.m. ET
The current Mexican champion will not be defending its crown for the Apertura 2009, but it will keep on fighting at home. Monterrey on the other hand, have had a strong showing this season and will be trying to take over first place of a difficult group 2. Monterrey fell to Jaguares, 2-1, and Pumas lost to San Luis with a 1-0 score. Pumas have not done so well at home, not tasting victory in four games out of five games. Monterrey may have to be without Dario Abraham Carreño. Pumas can count on having the full squad.
Prediction: Monterrey, 1-0
Puebla vs. Morelia, 7 p.m. ET
Morelia did well to take charge of Group 2 after beating Pachuca 2-0 a week ago and now the club will look to take a stranglehold on the group. Another group rival stands in Morelia's way, as Monarcas visit Estadio Cuauhtemoc. Morelia have a two-point lead over Monterrey in the group and three points clear of America. Morelia's bread-and-butter this season has been defense as the club has a league-low 10 goals allowed. Puebla have a strong defense as well, having allowed 12 goals this season but los Camoteros have only scored 14 goals of their own, the second-lowest figure in the group. But at home, Puebla have yet to lose, and scored three goals there last time out.
Prediction: Draw, 1-1.
Goal.com
For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura 2009 season, visit Goal.com.
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