While we’re a couple of weeks away from the 2011 Apertura’s first big derby, the action in the Mexican Primera is heating up in Week 4 with a few fantastic matchups. Chivas Guadalajara and Pumas UNAM, two teams who have title aspirations and fantastic self-produced youth players, face off in the week’s biggest match. Monterrey have a big match as well, while Club America sit out due to a friendly vs. FC Barcelona.
Mexican Primera Division, 2011 Apertura, Week 4: Preview, Chivas Vs. Pumas The Big Show
Round 4 of the Mexican Premier League’s 2011 Apertura features a fantastic set of fixtures, highlighted by the two sides with arguably the best academy systems, Pumas and Chivas, facing off.
Chivas Guadalajara vs. Pumas UNAM
Saturday, 6:00 pm ET
TV: Telemundo
In the mid-week set of fixtures, Chivas did not have a league game but still looked seriously impressive as Marco Fabian guided them to a crushing 4-1 win over FC Barcelona. Pumas looked almost as impressive in a game that actually counts, winning 2-1 over Monterrey with a dramatic stoppage time goal.
Despite being 38-years-old, ‘Paco’ Fransisco Palencia is in absolutely stunning form for Pumas, providing a link between the midfield and front like with his tactical awareness and unbelievable work rate. Along with central midfielder David Cabrera, the replacement for the departed Leandro Augusto, Pumas look like a title contender once again.
The battles in midfield between Cabrera and Chivas midfield ace Patricio Araujo will be key. Chivas will also have to make sure they don’t get caught with too many numbers forward when they lose possession, as Pumas are absolutely deadly on the counter. This match could be determined by tactical decisions, as Pumas have shown a willingness to go with both a three-man and four-man back line, while Chivas use both 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations.
Monterrey vs. Monarcas Morelia
Saturday, 10:00 pm ET
TV: Telemundo
Monterrey were dealt a minor blow in the middle of the week when Pumas beat them with a stoppage time goal, but the Rayados still look very much like title contenders at present. Humberto Suazo has been great, while the team will be boosted considerably when Aldo de Nigris comes back into the team, which could happen this week. Neri Cardozo and their various two-way midfield players have been great as well, and they’ll be favorites at home against Morelia.
Their opponents are no pushovers, though, and look like Liguilla contenders. They didn’t play at mid-week because of CONCACAF Champions League, in which they advanced to the group stages. Morelia have a very deep group of midfielders, and their best chance of beating Monterrey might be through flooding the center of the pitch.
Other matches
Estudiantes Tecos vs. UANL Tigres - Friday, 7:00 pm ET
Cruz Azul vs. Atlante - Saturday, 6:00 pm ET
Queretaro vs. Pachuca - Saturday, 6:00 pm ET
Santos Laguna vs. Club Tijuana - Saturday, 8:00 pm ET
Puebla vs. Jaguares de Chiapas - Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
Toluca vs. Atlas - 1:00 pm ET
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