The Chivas vs Veracruz Liga MX match will take place this Saturday, January 18, 2014 (3:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Luis Pirata Fuente in Veracruz. Both teams have an identical record, an away tie in Week 1, and a home win in Week 2. Will it be Chivas that earns an away win, or will Veracruz once again take all three points in front of their home crowd?
Coach Jose Luis Real took over Chivas in the off-season, and made several squad changes that appear to be making a difference. Chivas looked solid at the TSM Corona two weekends ago, earning a 1-1 draw over an always difficult Santos. Chivas followed that up with a 1-0 win over Chiapas at the Omnilife, although the win was not pretty, it was still a victory.
Real’s team stumbled a bit this past Wednesday in the Copa MX, where they tied cross-town rival, UdG, 1-1 at the Omnilife. So far though, this version of Chivas Guadalajara looks far improved from last season’s.
Veracruz retained the services of Coach Luna after a somewhat disappointing Apertura 2013, where the Tiburones stumbled after a hot start. Nonetheless, Veracruz appears to be safe from relegation issues, and if the first two weeks of the Clausura 2014 are any indication, it appears Veracruz will once again end safely at mid-table.
Veracruz is still undefeated through all competitions this season, earning a 1-1 away draw at Chiapas, defeating Atlante 2-1 at home, and defeating Lobos BUAP 4-0 in the Copa MX. Veracruz will definitely be a tough challenge for a Chivas squad that hopes to make a run to the playoffs. Veracruz will be without the services of Jesus Sanchez, who will be out serving a suspension.
Chivas vs Veracruz Prediction
Although neither team has been brilliant this season, both have shown they have solid squads that can grind out points. Expect to see a defensive-minded approach from both Luna and Real, with most players packed in the midfield. Chivas and Veracruz will focus on maintaining a scoreless sheet rather than going for the win. The Chivas vs Veracruz Liga MX Week 3 match will end in a 1-1 draw.
Chivas vs Veracruz TV Schedule
The match will be televised on Univision Deportes at 3:00 PM Pacific.
