Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2019 Apertura Preview: Xolos visit Chivas as playoff race continues
Credit: Xolos
Game: Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Tijuana Xolos
Where: Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
When: Wednesday, Oct.30, 2019
Time:8:00 P.M. PST
The Tijuana Xolos will play their Liga MX 2019 Apertura Week 16 matchup this Wednesday, Oct.30, against Chivas de Guadalajara at the Estadio Akron. The Xoloitzccuintles are currently on a hot streak with only one loss in their last five games, coming off a 2-0 win against Veracruz at home.
Leonel Miranda and Ariel Nahuelpan scored the goals that led to Tijuana’s victory against Los Tiburones Rojos, and this will be another very winnable game. Manager Oscar Pareja used the strike partnership of Camilo Sanvezzo and Ariel Nahuelpan in the last game, but the chemistry just was not there as Nahuelpan seems to be playing better as a lone striker this season.
Miller Bolanos continues to be the focal point of the attack with eight assists this season, but fullback Vladimir Lorona has also been a surprise so far. The Aztec Canines are currently in eighth place with 21 points and could finish as high as sixth place by the end of Week 16.
Chivas de Guadalajara is having yet another disappointing year, now with no chance at making the playoffs in 16th place with 16 points. However, Chivas is undefeated in its last three games and is coming off a 2-1 win against FC Juarez in Week 15.
Los Rojiblancos’ main focus is now once again the relegation race as Veracruz recently snapped an enormous 41-game winless streak and is a threat to Chivas once again. Los Tapatios have a talented squad with players that have played for the Mexico national team like Isaac Brizuela, Alexis Vega, and Oswaldo Alanis.
However, Luis Fernando Tena’s team is continuously plagued with inconsistency both defensively and offensively. Chivas will have one key player missing as Antonio Briseno is still serving a four-game suspension and will not see any action in this match.
Players to Watch
Vladimir Lorona
Lorona had an assist in Xolos’ last game against Veracruz and now seems to be fully adapting to his new team. The Mexican fullback has been instrumental going forward lately as he has a lot of speed as well as excellent crossing abilities.
Alan Pulido
Pulido has been one of Chivas’ best players this season, currently leading the team with seven goals scored this season. The Mexican striker has struggled to be consistent throughout his career, but he has had an impressive 2019 Apertura so far.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 1-1 draw in this game as Club Tijuana has a better overall team than Chivas but still struggles consistently on the road.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.