Mexican Primera, Apertura Round 14: Wednesday Game Previews

Estudiantes Tecos versus Necaxa

Wednesday, 7 pm Eastern. TV: Galavision

Normally, a Necaxa win would seem to be in the cards here, but they are missing four first team regulars through injury and have lost two straight matches. The red and whites looked like they were going to be able to remain in the Primera easily as of a couple of weeks ago, but now will need to do some work to avoid becoming relegation favorites in the next Clasura. Tecos are probably only third favorites to go down behind Necaxa and Atlante, but they have to be careful not to get themselves into a massive hole. They are a poor team, but not so poor that they will be walked over by a struggling, injury-riddled Necaxa team. This will be a close one for sure.

Jaguares de Chiapas versus Morelia

Wednesday, 9 pm Eastern. TV: ESPN Deportes

It looks like Miguel Sabah might be back on track, scoring goals from open play in each of his last two games. Unfortunately for Morelia, both of those games only resulted in draws. They’re starved for a win, but won’t be too displeased with another draw away to a solid Jaguares side. They looked good last week with Carlos Ochoa out of the lineup, but it’s not like Pachuca provided them with any kind of legitimate opposition. Jackson Martinez, Danilinho, and Carlos Ochoa are yet to prove that they can play together on the same pitch, but it might be worth a shot in this one. Morelia’s midfield is average and that extra man won’t be required. Jaguares should be able to win this match, but you never know when Miguel Sabah might turn on the style and pour in the goals.

Puebla versus Santos Laguna

Wednesday, 9 pm Eastern. TV: Azteca America

Despite another goal from Gabriel Pereyra on Sunday, Puebla fell to Toluca thanks to goals from Zinha and Hector Raul Mancilla. Pereyra’s goal was Puebla’s only great chance of the match as they were dominated by Toluca. It doesn’t seem probable that they’ll fare any better against Santos. Their match against Monterrey was a tough one where the brilliance of Humberto Suazo and Jonathan Corona was just a little too much to overcome, but they played well and Cristian Benitez added to his league leading scoring total. Surprisingly, a loss in this match could end up dropping them below the top four in the seedings. It doesn’t seem like that will happen, though. Santos should be able to win without too much of a problem.

Chivas de Guadalajara versus Toluca

Wednesday, 9:30 pm Eastern. TV: Telemundo

The home side has been particularly strong in recent history in this fixture, but it’s difficult to justify making Chivas the favorites. Their performance in the Super Clasico was hard to watch and they’re lucky that America wasn’t much better. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Chivas scores on Toluca from open play. Toluca aren’t a team like Monterrey, Santos, or Cruz Azul that will try to pound you into submission with a high tempo attacking game, but I can’t see Chivas getting the better of the play. They have yet to put in a complete performance against a solid team. Why should this match be any different?

Atlante versus Quaretaro

Wednesday, 10 pm Eastern. TV: None, thank God

The only thing interesting about this match is the potential relegation battle. A Quaretaro win could help take them out of that realm entirely, making it a three horse race going into the Clasura. Atlante could get a result if they get a great performance out of Johan Fano, but otherwise, it doesn’t seem too likely.

Monterrey versus Cruz Azul

Wednesday, 10 pm Eastern. TV: None. Yeah, I’m serious.

Thanks to your friends at Telemundo, the possible best match of the season in Mexico will not be seen on American television. Chivas and Monterrey have deals with the same networks to carry their home games, and Chivas have the second biggest following of any Mexican club in the United States. As a result, you’ll have to fly to Mexico or find...umm...“alternative” means to watch this match.

Monterrey weren’t necessarily the better team in their match against Santos on the weekend, but they made the most of their opportunities. Goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco and forward Humberto Suazo turned in world class performances. Cruz Azul weren’t impressive against Morelia, but it’s been a regular thing this season to see them turn in a random mediocre to poor performance, followed by a great one. Still, it’s hard to believe that they’ll be able to go away to Monterrey and get a win.

Predictions

Tecos 1, Necaxa 1

Jaguares 1, Morelia 0

Puebla 1, Santos 3

Chivas 0, Toluca 1

Atlante 1, Quaretaro 1

Monterrey 2, Cruz Azul 2