The America vs Atlas Liga MX week four match will take place this Saturday, January 25, 2014 (7:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Jalisco. Flamboyant Club America will travel to Guadalajara with the hope of getting a win over the struggling relegation candidates. Atlas is yet to win a match this season, and it looks like they will have to wait at least another week…
Coach Turco Mohamed is two for two when playing at the Azteca, his team defeated Tigres 3-0 three weeks ago, and then defeated Leon 1-0 last week. Both times the refs made erroneous calls that heavily favored Club America, but, that isn’t his fault, he simply plays the cards he is dealt with. In their single away match this season, Club America was defeated by a feisty Xolos that is unbeatable in the Estadio Caliente.
Now, Turco Mohamed has a great opportunity to earn his first away points of the season, and he knows it. Mohamed stated to the Mexican press that “scoring a goal is almost a knockout, and [Atlas] know it” (source: Medio Tiempo). However, Turco will have to make a slight change to his starting XI, given that Raul Jimenez, America’s main striker, will not be available for the match due to an injury he sustained in training this past Wednesday.
This will likely be Club America’s starting XI against Atlas: Muñoz, Layún, Rodríguez, Mosquera, Valenzuela, Aguilar, Medina, Molina, Sambueza, Mendoza, Rey.
Atlas are in deep trouble, they have only earned one point this season, and find themselves just five points ahead of Atlante in the relegation battle. A loss against America combined with an Atlante win over Chivas, would shorten the relegation gap to just two points.
Coach Tomas Boy was handed a modest squad that appears to be unable to get any positive results in the Liga MX. His team has a very limited offense, which has only scored one goal this season. Furthermore, the team’s poor form was made evident by last week’s home loss against fellow relegation candidate Atlante. All signs point towards Atlas heading to a third consecutive loss.
Key Players
Miguel Layun will be one of the key players for Club America. The talented left wing-back is arguably the best Mexican player in his position, he is able to defend effectively, while providing an offensive outlet on the left flank of America’s attack. Atlas’ main player to watch will be Federico Vilar, the goalkeeper will have plenty of work to do, and he must be on top of his game if he wants Atlas to come out with any points.
America vs Atlas Prediction
Club America are clear favorites, they have won two out of three matches this season, and are playing a struggling Atlas that are unable to score. Look for Atlas to use a defensive formation, focused on keeping a clean score sheet. America will dominate possession, slowly probing Atlas’ defense. Turco is right, once America scores, it’s game over for Atlas. The America vs Atlas match will end in a 2-0 victory for the Azulcremas.
America vs Atlas TV Schedule
The match will be televised on Saturday, January 25 on Univision Deportes at 7:00 PM Pacific.
America 2-1 Atlas Highlights
The highlights will be updated soon after the final whistle.
