Cruz Azul and Chivas Guadalajara have gone through plenty of tough times with unavailable star players during the 2011 Apertura, but both are sitting near the top of the table with a chance to take the top seed in Liguilla. However, they are two teams going in different directions. Cruz Azul appear to be improving, while Chivas have regressed from the start of the season.
Mexican Primera 2011 Apertura, Week 10 Preview And Schedule: Cruz Azul, Chivas Guadalajara Battle For Top Spot
The top four teams all play each other in a fantastic week of fixtures in the Mexican Primera
Elsewhere, the other two teams in the top four, UANL Tigres and Jaguares Chiapas, face off in a huge match of their own. On Sunday, Club America and Club Tijuana face off as both attempt to salvage their seasons.
Cruz Azul vs. Chivas Guadalajara
Saturday, 6:00 pm ET
TV: Azteca, ESPND
With young starlet ‘Cubo’ Erick Torres out of the lineup, Chivas were the best team in Mexico. Since his return - necessitating a change in formation - they’ve been poor. Last week, supposedly washed up American winger DaMarcus Beasley absolutely destroyed Chivas as they lost 4-1 to Puebla. The 4-4-2 isn’t the only thing to blame for Chivas’ woes, but it certainly isn’t helping matters.
Meanwhile, Cruz Azul are coming off of a massive road win against Monterrey. They’ll be confident heading into this match against Estadio Azul, especially since Christian Gimenez is back and in good form. The Blue Machine is susceptible to massive chokes, but they’re hard to predict.
Pick: 2-1 Cruz Azul
UANL Tigres vs. Jaguares Chiapas
Saturday, 8:00 pm ET
TV: Telemundo
Perhaps a bit quietly, UANL Tigres are performing well. Danilinho and Hector Mancilla have strug up an impressive partnership and they’ve been a stead, if unspectacular side in both attack and defense. Jaguares have not been quiet about their run to the top of the table, playing in some incredibly fun games. This world in which Profe Cruz doesn’t care about defending is a much better world. There’s no way this game isn’t fun.
Pick: 3-2 Tigres
Club America vs. Club Tijuana
Sunday, 5:00 pm ET
TV: Univision
Coming into this season, both America and Tijuana spent a lot of money. America were expected to compete for a title, while Tijuana were expected to contend for Liguilla and comfortably avoid relegation. Instead, both teams are absolutely atrocious and have recently fired their coaches. This is a battle to see who is less screwed. Inevitably, it will be a draw and both sets of fans will be pissed.
Pick: 1-1 draw
Other games:
Queretaro vs. Monterrey - Saturday, 6:00 pm ET
Pachuca vs. San Luis - Saturday, 8:00 pm ET
Estudiantes Tecos vs. UNAM Pumas - Saturday, 8:00 pm ET
Atlas vs. Atlante - Saturday, 10:00 pm ET
Puebla vs. Santos Laguna - Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
Toluca vs. Monarcas Morelia - Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
See More:
