América square off with Monterrey in Jornada 12 of the Liga MX on Saturday night. They’ve won two matches in a row (one each in the league and Copa MX), and will be looking to take advantage of the fact that they’ve caught Monterrey in the middle of a slump.
Expect América to line up in a typical 4-4-2, as they have for most of the season.
Goalkeeper: Moisés Muñóz
Muñóz has a tough job, as América have been far from defensively sound this year. He’s given up 15 goals this season, but he’s still the number 1 choice for Las Aguilas.
Right Back: Bruno Valdéz
Paul Aguilar tore his ACL the other night in the Copa MX, but fortunately Valdéz has some experience playing on the right side.
Center Backs: Pablo Aguilar and Paolo Goltz
Goltz will get the nod as Bruno Valdéz, his only competition, will likely be playing right back. Pablo Aguilar has been a workhorse once again for Las Aguilas, and you can expect him to lead this defense for the full 90.
Left Back: Osmar Mares
Mares has been a staple of the América lineup in all competitions this year. Mares has been good this season but has often played up too far, almost assuming a midfield role. His advancements up the field have definitely contributed to América’s high goals-against count.
Right Mid: Rubens Sambueza
Rubens has proven he is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield, so expect him to jump into action on the right side. Don’t let the fact that he has no goals and only 2 assists fool you; Sambueza is a key player for Las Aguilas.
Center Mid: José Guerrero and Osvaldo Martínez
Martínez has played straight down the middle this season, with over 70% of his passes being made in the center of the field. He has seldom missed a start during his América career and Saturday should be no different. Guerrero performed reasonably well against Pumas and remains the other first-choice at CM.
Left Mid: William da Silva
He scored against Pumas a week ago, only his second goal for América since joining for the Clausura earlier this season. Ricardo La Volpe will reward Da Silva for his performance last week with a start this weekend.
Strikers: Oribe Peralta and Silvio Romero
Oribe has been unstoppable since his return, and remains the most threatening goalscorer on the team, and as such is a no-brainer to start. Romero has contributed 5 goals of his own this season, meaning that this duo have scored just under half (9/19) of the club’s goals in the Apertura.
(4-3-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
