Clásico Regio highlights Liga MX slate on Matchday 12

Pair of veterans bristle over benching

The Tigres now have a “morale” problem as Edu Vargas and Luis Quiñones resent being benched in favor of “Diente” and Leo. Even though the team’s lack of production left “Tuca” with no choice but to tinker in search of a better offensive alignment, the two veterans feel as though they were made to appear as the problem.

There are now growing rumors that both players want to be traded. Quiñones would evidently accept a return to Toluca, while Vargas continues to hear siren songs from Brazil.

Across town, the Rayados head into the Clásico Regiomontano off a victory that ended a three-game winless streak. No matter that it was an unimpressive win against one of the worst teams in Liga MX. A win is a win, I suppose.

In addition, central defender César Montes will miss the match with a red-card suspension. The Rayados filed an appeal (the second yellow appeared dubious), but it was turned down.

That blow will be lessened if Stefan Medina is deemed fully fit. The Colombian defender missed the past two games but was back to full training on Monday. He can slot in alongside Nico Sánchez and Miguel Layún can stay at right back.

Captain Dorlan Pabón is also dealing with knocks but he will be available on Saturday, though coach Antonio Mohamed might elect to stick with Ake Loba and Rogelio Funes Mori in attack with Maxi Meza taking up the role Pabón often plays. But the skipper should be ready to come in late to deliver his trademark crosses if called upon.

One battle to keep an eye on will be on the flank where Tigres right back Luis “Chaka” Rodríguez will face Rayados winger/left back Jesús Gallardo. The two spent this past week together in the El Tri training camp.

Midfield will also be a contact zone. The Tigres’ double pivot of Guido Pizarro and Rafa Carioca will have their hands full with Charlie Rodríguez, Meza and Gallardo. The Rayados’ trident will be tasked with feeding Funes Mori and Loba while Pizarro and Carioca form a shield in front of the Tigres’ back line.