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Jornada 8 Preview: Revival Necessary
Clubs like Morelia, Cruz Azul and Toluca need to sort out their issues, perhaps quickly, if they don't want to fall behind in the chase for the Liguilla.
Feb 26, 2010 10:21:00 AM
could be the last chance for teams like Cruz Azul and Toluca to turn their season around before falling further into despair.
SATURDAY
Cruz Azul vs. Atlas, 6 p.m. ET
Atlas will go into the Azul with their heads held low. They know that the last five years haven't been kind to them in the Azul since they are yet to win in that time frame. This time things should be different since La Maquina has staled in the goal scoring department. Cruz Azul has only scored two goals in the past seven games. Atlas on the other hand has a thirst for goal fed by their veteran midfielder Miguel Zepeda. Atlas has scored 14 times in the last seven games. Cruz Azul will have a full and healthy squad for the encounter. Edgar Pacheco is suspended for Atlas while Gonzalo Vargas will miss out due to injury,
Prediction: Draw, 1-1.
Queretaro vs. Santos, 6 p.m. ET
Queretaro has historically owned Santos. Los Gallos Blancos have registered 6 wins while Santos has only walked away with 3. Queretaro has surprised this season with their performances. Santos has also started the season on a high note and show no signs of slowing. Both teams are passing through great times which should make for an interesting game.
Prediction: Santos, 2-0.
Atlante vs. Monterrey, 8 p.m. ET
Monterrey should have a field day against Atlante. Los Potros have shown nothing this season and have only one win in the Bicentenario. Monterrey on the other hand have only one loss in the season and show no signs of missing Humberto Suazo. Los Rayados have never lost in Cancun and Atlante hasn’t seen a victory against Monterrey in their last five games. Monterrey sit currently in second place and are looking to stop Chivas’ rampant pace. Atlante have nothing going for them. The Club World Cup is a distant memory and Jose Guadalupe Cruz is in the hot seat once more.
Prediction: Monterrey, 3-0.
Chivas vs. San Luis, 8 p.m. ET
Chivas will look to extend their remarkable run against a lesser opponent. San Luis may have beaten Atlas a week ago, but los Gladiadores certainly have their share of holes. Chivas brought out more of their firepower against Puebla as Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista found the back of the net twice. Now, the club has an inspired Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez to count on. Hernandez scored twice for Mexico in Wednesday's game against Bolivia. With Hernandez's confidence soaring and the club continuing to progress, it will be more than difficult for San Luis to avoid a loss.
Prediction: Chivas, 2-0.
Pachuca vs. Pumas, 8 p.m. ET
The last time these two teams met in Estadio Hidalgo, a championship was on the line. Both teams are far from that level this time around but this could be a bit of a turning point for one of these teams. Pumas' offense hasn't quite shown signs of life but some road goals and a win could help snap Pumas out of their offensive funk. Martin Bravo got a goal against Atlante last week, and fellow forwards Dante Lopez and Francisco Palencia are due as well. Pachuca, meanwhile, have been considerably stronger at home than on the road. Despite a 1-0 loss to Chivas, Pachuca have outscored their opponents 10-2 at home this season.
Prediction: Pachuca, 2-1.
Tigres vs. Morelia, 8 p.m. ET
Morelia need answers, and need them soon. The club routed Atlas 3-0 in Estadio Morelos just a pair of weeks ago but since then lost to Cruz Azul 1-0, tied Toluca 0-0 and tied Nacional of Uruguay 0-0 in a Copa Libertadores match. Three consecutive shutouts has taken its toll on the club, as a lack of confidence could have been the reason behind Morelia's horrendous early misses against Nacional. Tigres' defense might be just what the doctor ordered. After all, what's not to like? Tigres have allowed 13 goals in seven games, haven't won since Jornada 1 and manager Daniel Guzman is under increasing pressure to get results. About the only setback for Morelia is that the match is in Monterrey. Morelia is 1-11-5 at Estadio Universitario since 1992. But the club is 1-1-2 in their last five matches there.
Prediction: Draw, 2-2.
SUNDAY
Toluca vs. Indios, 1 p.m. ET
Toluca has been trying to kick off their season but have been unable to in the Bicentenario 2010. However, they might be able to take some points from Indios, a team that has yet to win a single game this season and has been an points ATM to the league teams. Toluca will have the advantage of having a complete squad while Indios will be without Javier Malagueño due to suspension. Both teams are coming off a nil-nil weekend draws against Morelia and Cruz Azul, respectively. The last time the teams met in league play Toluca made off with the three points.
Prediction: Toluca, 1-0.
Puebla vs. Jaguares, 5 p.m. ET
Puebla only have one win at home for the Bicentenario 2010 though it might not be much help for Jaguares who have yet to win a game. So far, new manager Pablo Marini has not been able to give Jaguares a win in his short stint and will hope to do so against Puebla. However, in the Jornada 7 of the tournament Jaguares drew with Pachuca and Puebla gave a strong performance and almost ended Chivas’ unbeaten run. Jaguares will be with a complete team as they pay their visit. Puebla will be with all their players as well, but will miss manager ‘Chelis’ due to suspension.
Prediction: Draw, 1-1.
Estudiantes vs. America, 6 p.m. ET
Both teams have obtained mixed results over the course of the Bicentenario 2010, neither finding form. Both teams come from draws over the weekend. Daniel Alcantar has recovered from injury and Fredy Bareiro is back from suspension giving Estudiantes a full squad. They will also have to avoid losing the lead as they have in their last two games. America on the other hand have Jean Beausejour and Enrique Esqueda added to the list of those out injured and will look to win their first game away from the Azteca.
Prediction: Estudiantes, 1-0.
Goal.com
For more coverage of the Bicentenario 2010 season, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.
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