6 Bold Predictions for Liga MX Week 9
The 2014 Apertura tournament is halfway through, so it's crucial that the teams strengthen their performance if they want to qualify to the Liguilla.
America are still in the lead with 17 points. However, they haven't won in the past three matchdays, while Monterrey trail by one.
Atlas had been another strong contender for the title until Week 5, as they haven't secured another victory since then. They sit fourth, though.
This is a key matchday for UANL, Cruz Azul, Guadalajara and Puebla, as they are lurking in the qualification zone. If they manage to turn things around and stay consistent they could very well make it to the finals.
Let's take a look at six bold predictions for Week 9.
Tijuana Will Secure Their Second Win of the Season
1 of 6
Tijuana haven't had the results they were used to since they arrived in the Liga MX, back in 2012. So far, Xolos sit 14th in the general table.
They have only won once on home soil. Although Dario Benedetto has been a thriving force for his side—having scored three of the seven goals the team has so far—there's a lot of work to do.
Xolos' defense has been weak throughout the tournament, as it has conceded eight goals.
This week they receive Santos Laguna, a team that has come from less to more, and have won three of their last four games.
Los Guerreros haven't lost outside their home turf.
Morelia Will Trash UNAM
2 of 6
UNAM comes from a painful two-goal draw with UANL on home soil. This week they are set to face Morelia, the worst team of the 2014 Apertura.
Monarcas have secured three points of a possible 24 and have yet to win. Although their 0-3-5 record is dreadful, they showed improvement in Matchday 8, when they faced Chiapas under newly appointed coach Jose Cruz.
Pumas have defeated Morelia 18 times on home soil; however the last time they scored more than three goals was in the 2007 Apertura.
Monarcas won their most recent match with Pumas, held at Estadio Morelos; the last time they secured back-to-back wins on their own turf was in the 2002 Verano (2-1) and 1999 Invierno (6-2).
America Will Lose on Home Soil
3 of 6
America have only lost once in the 2014 Apertura, which happened against UNAM at the Estadio Azteca.
This week they will try to go back to the winner's circle in the Liga MX, especially after they secured a 10-1 victory in the CONCACAF Champions League versus Costa Rica's Bayamon.
The victory is a breath of fresh air for Las Aguilas because they haven't scored once in the Liga MX since they defeated Morelia 3-2 three matchdays ago.
Pachuca will be a worthy opponent. Los Tuzos have a young side, but this is far from being a disadvantage. These footballers are committed and hungry, demonstrated by the fact they have won two of their past three games.
In the 2014 Clausura they defeated America 1-0 on home soil.
Universidad De Guadalajara Will Stun UANL
4 of 6
UANL is the kind of team that can surprise one week and fall apart in the next one.
So far they have a 2-4-2 record, which puts them in ninth place of the general table with 10 points.
Tigres have been struggling a lot in the first third of the pitch; the flanks have been the weakest. Fortunately for Ricardo Ferretti, the offense has responded well and has secured 13 goals after eight weeks.
Universidad de Guadalajara are increasing their confidence. After four defeats in five games, they finally secured their first win of the tournament and haven't lost ever since.
Leones Negros have a powerful forward in Fidel Martinez, who has scored twice so far and also knows how to unbalance the rival's defense easily to create opportunities for his teammates.
Atlas Will Take over the Tournament Lead
5 of 6
Atlas have had a fantastic tournament so far. They have a 4-3-1 record, have scored 11 times and sit fourth in the general table with 15 points, two shy from America.
However, Los Zorros haven't won since Matchday 5, when they overpowered Leones Negros at Estadio Jalisco.
They have only scored three times in their past three appearances (vs. Pachuca, Santos Laguna and Veracruz).
This week they are set to face Cruz Azul. La Maquina are in desperate need of winning soon, if they want to grab a place in the Liguilla.
Guadalajara Will Neutralize Ronaldinho
6 of 6
Week 9 will bring us Ronaldinho's long-awaited debut in the Liga MX.
The Brazilian has already played once with Queretaro. He appeared in the game vs. UANL, in Matchday 5 of the Copa MX.
Ronaldinho had the chance to draw the game with a penalty kick, which he sent straight to the bleachers. However, he put Tigres' defense in distress on a regular basis, showing that his skills and potential are at a higher level.
Guadalajara's defensive line needs to be at its best to stop the Brazilian; it won't be an easy feat but it can be done.
Chivas have only allowed five goals so far, mainly because Carlos Salcido has done a good job leading the defense.
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC, unless otherwise noticed.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
