America vs. Guadalajara: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Liga MX Game
America and Guadalajara will play their 98th Liga MX match during Week 15. This is by far Mexico's biggest football rivalry.
These clubs gather the biggest fanbase of the country. According to Consulta Mitofsky, a company that specializes in market research and public opinion, as of January 2014 America were the most popular team of the nation, followed by Guadalajara (Spanish).
Las Aguilas are the best club of the 2014 Apertura. They have already qualified for the Liguilla and have secured 29 points, with a 9-2-3 record.
Meanwhile, Guadalajara sit 17th with 11 points and a goal difference of minus-seven. They also sacked coach Carlos Bustos and brought the man that led them to their latest championship: Jose Manuel de la Torre.
Let's take a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape "El Clasico."
Guadalajara's Status in the Relegation Table
1 of 6
Guadalajara have only won once outside their own turf, when they defeated UNAM 0-1 at Estadio Olimpico. But that would be the least of their worries when they step to Estadio Azteca this weekend.
Chivas sit penultimate in the 2014 Apertura general table as a result of two victories, five draws and six defeats.
Their bad performance has been persistent. The last time they qualified to the Liguilla was in the 2012 Apertura, and they were eliminated by Toluca in the quarterfinals.
After that, they have only won 12 games of a total of 65. This is why they are close to leaving the Liga MX, so they can't afford the luxury to keep losing points.
There is no doubt that Guadalajara have a lot of pressure on their shoulders, while Las Aguilas have already qualified to the playoffs.
Will Miguel Layun Be Ready for the Match?
2 of 6
Miguel Layun is America's top scorer. He has put the ball away six times, one more than Oribe Peralta.
Layun is one of the most flexible men in Antonio Mohamed's squad. He can play as a left-back or a right-back, helping the forwards with crosses and through balls.
But he can also take over the midfield from any of the flanks, which gives him more freedom to attack and display his powerful long-distance shot.
However, Layun hasn't appeared with Las Aguilas since Matchday 12, when the club lost 4-0 to Cruz Azul and he resulted injured.
In an interview with Mexican media (h/t MedioTiempo.com Spanish) the footballer said he felt ready to join the club for the Derby; however, the coach hasn't confirmed it.
Guadalajara Haven't Defeat America Since 2012
3 of 6
America have overpowered Guadalajara in the past three derbies they have played.
In the 2014 Clausura, Las Aguilas trashed Chivas 0-4, at Estadio Omnilife. Six months earlier America defeated the archenemy 2-0 on home soil, and in the 2013 Clausura they surpassed them again at the Omnilife, 2-0.
Overall, they have played 97 games, the record favors America with 37 wins against Guadalajara's 25, the other 35 matches have ended in draws.
This will not be an easy feat for Guadalajara, as they are going through their worst season since the 2013 Apertura.
America Has Lost 2 Derbies This Season
4 of 6
Just when America were going through their best moment, UNAM stunned them at the Estadio Azteca in the Mexico City Derby (Clasico Capitalino).
By that time, Pumas only had one victory, one draw and four successive defeats, while Las Aguilas were unbeaten, after five consecutive wins and one tie.
But the away team pushed them and didn't let them create many opportunities from the flanks; eventually UNAM left the Estadio Azteca with a 0-1 triumph.
In Matchday 12, in the Juvenile Derby (Clasico Joven), Cruz Azul displayed the best game they had had in the 2014 Apertura and trashed the leaders 4-0 at the Estadio Azul.
Las Aguilas were erratic in the back line, and La Maquina took advantage of America's lack of depth.
These were Antonio Mohamed's first two defeats of the tournament. Last week the club fell short for the third time, due to a last-minute goal against Queretaro.
Omar Bravo and Oribe Peralta's Resurgence
5 of 6
Omar Bravo hadn't netted this season. He had an 18-game scoreless streak, until last week, when he put the ball away two times, against Tijuana.
Bravo was instrumental in helping Chivas secure a three-goal draw with Xolos at Estadio Omnilife. He completed 75 percent of the passes he sent; his shot accuracy equaled 67 percent and won 80 percent of the duels in which he was involved, as per Squawka.
On the other hand, Oribe Peralta also struggled in the scoring department. From Matchday 6 to 12 he couldn't put the ball away.
However, in Week 13 he overpowered Jonathan Orozco, in Las Aguilas 2-0 victory over Monterrey, and in the next matchday he did it again, but his side couldn't defeat Queretaro.
In the 2014 Apertura Peralta has created 21 goal opportunities for America, he also record 80 percent of passing accuracy, according to Squawka.
The timing couldn't have been better for both teams.
Jose Manuel De La Torre Has Yet to Defeat America at the Azteca
6 of 6
Former Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre is no stranger to the Liga MX.
Chepo was in charge of Guadalajara (2005-2007) and Toluca (2008-2010), before landing a job with El Tri.
Now he is back with the club where he secured his first championship, but in a much-complicated scenario. Not only are Chivas struggling to stay in the Liga MX, De la Torre's sides have never defeated America at the Estadio Azteca.
When he was in front of Guadalajara, the team lost two times and tied one game versus Las Aguilas.
Two years later, with Toluca, he recorded two draws and one loss, his worst as a coach (7-2).
Can De la Torre put an end to his winless streak at the Estadio Azteca?
All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC, unless otherwise noted.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
