Can Chivas handle wounded Aguilas in Liga MX derby?

America’s defense will be tested

When Bruno Valdez went down with a season-ending knee injury on Aug. 22, coach Herrera knew he’d be tinkering with his back line for a while. For now, he has settled on the pairing of veteran Emanuel Aguilera and 21-year-old Sebastián Cáceres.

Richard Sánchez and Rubén González form an effective double pivot in front of them and they’ll make it difficult for the Chivas to punch through the middle. But that won’t slow down these frisky Goats as they prefer attacking down the flanks.

The elusive Vega and the speedy Antuna should give América fullbacks fits out wide and, if they find space, it could discombobulate the Aguilas. Jorge Sánchez (right back) and Luis Reyes or Luis Fuentes (on the left) must keep the Chivas wingers in check. That will be no easy task with the in-form Isaac Brizuela buzzing around the “Azulcrema” back-liners as well.

A key to the tactical evolution of the game will be Guadalajara’s midfield formation. Captain Jesús Molina is a certainty and if Fernando Beltrán is deemed fit (he came off the bench against Necaxa, likely as a precaution as “El Nene” has struggled to recover from an August bout with coronavirus), the Chivas might be able to wrest control of the match from their Mexico City rivals.

Hiram Mier and Gilberto Sepúlveda have been solid in the middle of the Chivas defense and if Viñas is unable to go, they will focus their attention on Henry Martín who might play as a lone striker.

We won’t know América’s line-up until gameday but we can expect the Aguilas to sit back, absorb pressure and rely on the counter.

All that’s left to be said is Get Yer Popcorn Ready!