America vs. Monterrey: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Liga MX Semi-Final
History favours America over Monterrey in Liguilla matches, as Las Aguilas have secured four wins in seven matches, the latest in the 2013 Clausura tournament.
Antonio Mohamed's men haven't lost at Estadio Tecnologico since the 2012 Clausura semi-finals, when Rayados secured a 2-0 win.
This will be one of the most explosive games of the 2014 Apertura, as both clubs have lethal offensives. Players like Oribe Peralta, Rubens Sambueza, Dorlan Pabon and Humberto Suazo are set to impress.
There's a lot at stake for Monterrey in the first leg of the semi-final because America only need to draw in the aggregate score to secure their ticket for the final match.
The last time Rayados won at the Estadio Azteca was in the 2012 Clausura, which means five games without a victory on America's turf.
Let's take a look at the issues and decisions that will shape the Liga MX semi-final.
Paul Aguilar's Absence Will Be a Great Opportunity for Monterrey
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Paul Aguilar won't appear in the first leg of the semi-final because he hasn't recovered from a muscle overcharge suffered after the quarter-finals.
Aguilar has been one of the most important men in America's formation. The Mexico international provides depth through the right flank as well as strength in the back line.
Antonio Maduena or Ventura Alvarado will probably take Aguilar's place, but none of them has the same experience or continuity.
Aguilar's absence opens a door for Monterrey. Rayados need to make the most of this situation. They have a lethal group of players in the attacking zone, such as Dorlan Pabon, Neri Cardozo and Candido Ramirez.
Candido Ramirez Will Be a Key Factor for Monterrey
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Candido Ramirez proved to be a promising footballer when he played for the Mexico U-23 squad and for Santos Laguna.
After a six-month loan to UNAM, Monterrey bought him, and little by little he has gotten used to Carlos Barra's system.
Ramirez appeared eight times in the regular season, scoring once in his first start of the season against Pumas in Matchday 17.
He played in the first leg of the quarter-finals as a sub, but he made his second start with Monterrey in the second leg and scored the team's second goal.
His speed and fine touch set him as an unbalancing footballer, especially through the left sideline, and with Paul Aguilar out of the picture, Ramirez can easily become in Monterrey's changing factor.
Oribe Peralta Needs to Make an Impact
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No one doubts the talent of Oribe Peralta, but he needs to start scoring soon.
America put the ball away 26 times in the regular season, eight of them the authorship of Peralta. He was also the club's top scorer of the tournament.
He was going through a great streak, with three goals in the last two matchdays (two against Toluca and one versus Atlas).
However, he couldn't make a difference in the score during the quarter-finals.
After 19 starts, Peralta has 47 percent shot accuracy and an 81 percent pass completion rate. He has also created 28 goal opportunities, including four assists.
Monterrey Must Be Less Predictable
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Despite Monterrey's strength in the attacking zone, the team has become a predictable side, not only for the plays it puts together, but for the footballers it depends on.
Dorlan Pabon and Humberto Suazo have become two instrumental pieces in the tactical formation, but that also allows the rivals to cover them better.
No wonder why Candido Ramirez was the man who made a difference in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Atlas.
After 19 games, Rayados have created 64.3 percent of their goal opportunities through the centre of the pitch: 18.2 from the right flank and 15.7 from the left sideline.
America Have to Exploit the Attack Through the Flanks
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America are a vertical and dynamic squad, mainly as a result of their play through the flanks.
Miguel Layun has proved to be in shape and ready to step up under any circumstance, and a semi-final against Monterrey will be the perfect scenario to prove his worth.
The right-back is America's second-best scorer, with a total tally of six goals, two shy from Oribe Peralta.
Luis Angel Mendoza and Michael Arroyo have also been instrumental when it comes to unbalancing the rival through the sidelines.
Efrain Juarez and Efrain Velarde need to perform at their best to hold back Las Aguilas' attack.
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