Toluca vs. America: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Liga MX Game
The match between Toluca and America could very well be a Liguilla game. Not only have these clubs already qualified to the playoffs, they are also the best of the Liga MX.
America have sat atop the general table since Matchday 3. They had a demolishing pace in the first six weeks, becoming the only unbeaten team.
Las Aguilas have shown some deficiencies in the back line, as well as in the attacking zone. These factors have resulted in painful loses to UNAM, Cruz Azul and Queretaro.
Their next rival is Toluca, a team that trails them closely in the general table, and that has proven to be the toughest side of the Liga MX while playing on home soil.
Against America, Diablos Rojos have only lost 14 games held at Estadio Nemesio Diez, of a total of 46.
Overall, they have faced each other 92 times, with 35 wins for Las Aguilas, 31 for Toluca and 26 draws.
Let's take a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape one of the most eagerly awaited games.
Toluca Could Take over the Tournament Lead
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Toluca sit second in the general table with 28 points, while America lead the 2014 Apertura with 30.
Little by little, Diablos Rojos have managed to gain ground over Las Aguilas. After four matchdays, Toluca trailed America by seven; by Week 11 they only had a five-point difference with the leaders.
Jose Saturnino Cardozo's side have never been this close to Las Aguilas, and even though both have already qualified to the Liguilla, the team that finishes the regular season atop the general table will face the club that qualifies in the last place. There is still a lot to play for.
America Have Lost Their Last Two Away Matches
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America were sharp in the first half of the tournament, with a 5-2-1 record, which included a six-week unbeaten run.
But lately they have faltered in key games. They lost to Cruz Azul at Estadio Azul, as well as with Queretaro at Estadio Corregidora.
Las Aguilas haven't won outside their own turf since September, when they trashed Santos Laguna 4-1 at Estadio Corona.
The last time they overpowered Toluca at Estadio Nemesio Diez was in the semifinals of the 2012 Apertura.
Alfredo Talavera Will Join Mexico National Team Next Week
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Mexico coach Miguel Herrera called-up Alfredo Talavera for the friendlies versus the Netherlands and Belarus, which will be held later this month.
Talavera has performed fantastically this season. In 14 appearances, he has six clean sheets, 97 percent claim success and 2.57 saves per game.
The goalkeeper has only conceded 0.93 goals per match, 61.5 percent of them from open play.
He will pour his heart on the pitch in order to impress Herrera, who has chosen Guillermo Ochoa as the starter since this year's World Cup.
Toluca Have Only Lost Once on Home Soil This Season
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Toluca had a perfect record at Estadio Nemesio Diez until Leon beat them 1-3 in Matchday 14.
They are the best home team of the 2014 Apertura. Diablos Rojos have played eight games on their ground with a 5-2-1 record, securing 17 points.
While playing on home soil, Toluca have created 113 goal opportunities, recorded 51 percent possession— only in three games they have failed to have the ball at least half of the time—and have completed 84 percent of their passes.
There's absolutely no question that winning in this stadium will be quite a challenge for America.
Will Oribe Peralta and Isaac Brizuela Make an Impact on the Pitch?
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Oribe Peralta went through a seven-week scoreless run, but in Matchday 13, he put the ball away once in America's 2-0 victory over Monterrey. Eight days later he did it again, in the 3-2 defeat versus Queretaro.
Peralta has improved his shot accuracy in the past three games. From Week 1 to 12 it equaled 38 percent, in the following matches he has 67 percent.
Overall, El Hermoso has created 21 goal opportunities, 85 percent of them in the last third of the pitch. He has also recorded four assists.
On the other hand, Toluca have seen Isaac Brizuela's resurgence in the past three weeks.
From Week 13 to 15, El Conejito has played 242 minutes of 270 possible. He has put the ball away twice, showing his technique and fine touch in both situations.
Furthermore, he also created six goal opportunities, including one assist; while his average pass accuracy equals 81 percent.
Both footballers will be key figures for their clubs, as they can unbalance the defense, help their teammates and finish plays easily.
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