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This week brings a mix of match ups. Another huge game in the relegation standings. Also, a big derby between two powerhouses. Here's tonight's action.
Friday, February 17th
Estudiante Tecos v Atlante - Estadio Tres de Marzo, Guadalajara KO 8:10pm - Galavision
Atlante may not have played a great against Toluca last week (2-0 defeat), this game should be one they can win. Estudiantes Tecos has the worst defense and offense in the league.
Watch or Avoid: Avoid
Read more after the break.
Saturday, February 18th
Cruz Azul v Pumas - Estadio Azul, Mexico City KO 5:00pm - TV Azteca
This game is one of the games they call, un clasico joven (a young classic). It's a term that gets used with the Mexico City derbies. Cruz Azul comes off a lack luster 0-0 tie against Tijuana. Emanuel Villa and Christian "El Chaco" Gimenez are the guys that'll have Pumas on their toes. Mean while, with Pumas, they come off a disappointing 0-2 loss against Puebla. They need to get Martin Bravo and Juan Carlos Cacho and the rest of the offense going. They're in the bottom 4 this season and the rest of the season is going to get tougher.
Watch or Avoid: Watch
Queretaro v Tijuana - La Corregidora, Queretaro KO 5:00pm - Telefutura
This is that game that will get someone a little farther from Estudiantes Tecos and Atlas. Tijuana is in better shape at the moment with only one loss in their last 5 games (two ties and two wins sandwiched in between the loss). Jose Sand is still the key with Tijuana. For Queretaro, its not a pretty picture. Two straight losses, a weak defense, and offense that isn't producing makes Tijuana a favorite even if Queretaro are the home team.
Watch or Avoid: Avoid
Chivas v San Luis - Estadio Omnilife, Guadalajara KO 7:00pm - Telemundo
This game is a must win for both teams. San Luis started the season with two wins and are now on a four game losing streak. In those four games, they have scored one goal and have given up ten goals. Chivas really suck. Dead last with only two goals to their names in league play. If you like watching car wrecks, this game is for you. Personally, I'll be watching.
Watch or Avoid: Watch
Santos v Monterrey - Nuevo Estadio Corona, Torreon KO 7:00pm - Telefutura
This is one of the better games of the weekend in Mexico. While Santos lost to Morelia last week, they are tied for first place overall and have one of the stronger offenses in the league. Undefeated Monterrey will be one their strongest challenges. A defense that has only given up two goals all season will try to stop the three forward attack that Santos possesses. Monterrey isn't too shabby either at attack. Humberto Suazo came on last week in the 61st minute and his assist opened up the scoreboard against Chivas. He's making a push to be a starter again after his stint on the bench. This is going to be a good game!
Watch or Avoid: Must watch!
Tigres v Atlas - Estadio Universitario, Monterrey KO 7:00
With home support that seems to support Tigres through thick and thin, they are now being rewarded with a team that is tied with Santos at the top of the table. They are playing as one and are one of the toughest teams to beat right now. While Atlas gave Club America a run for their money last week, they are facing a different beast.
Watch or Avoid: Watch
Sunday, February 19th
Puebla v Morelia - Estadio Cuahtemoc, Puebla KO Noon - TV Azteca
Puebla are getting away from the relegation zone. Juan Carlos Osorio seems to be getting this team straightened out. DaMarcus Beasley came on as a sub last week. Look out for the Spaniard, Luis Garcia, who's the leading scorer. Their opponent is Morelia who just last week defeats Santos (alone atop the table last week). Miguel Sabah is on fire. Should have had a hat trick in the first 30 minutes. Let's see how JCO and his team handle Morelia and the red hot Miguel Sabah.
Watch or Avoid: Watch
Toluca v Jaguares - Estadio Nemesio Diez, Toluca KO Noon - Univision
What would Toluca be without Ivan Alonso? Quite bad actually. His seven goals are tops in Mexico and he scored the only two goals last week against Atlante in the win. Expect him to be a nightmare for the Jaguares defense. Toluca will have a nightmare to deal with too. Jackson Martinez also scored a brace last week against Queretaro. He has four goals and will be the focal point of the Jaguares attack.
Watch or Avoid: Watch
Club America v Pachuca - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City KO 4:00pm - Univison
Club America have a similar problem to the Fire, they can't win at home (although the Fire did start winning at home at the very end of the season). After last weeks struggle against Atlas, one has to wonder if they will be ready for a tougher Pachuca. Aquivaldo Mosquera and Oswaldo Vizcarrondo are monsters in the back line that should be performing better. The same can be said about the attack. A surprising Pachuca comes into the Azteca. Third place overall with a never die attitude will make Club America fans want to cry all afternoon. Look out for the young Ecuadorian Jaime Javier Ayovi and the Argentine Mauro Cejas to inflict the damage.
Watch or Avoid: Watch
Any games that catch your eye? Any other players that you think will make the difference this weekend? What's your opinion of the Mexican League?