Chivas meet Puebla in their Jornada 13 match at Estadio Cuauhtémoc on Sunday. Both teams are very much in the hunt for a playoff spot, in 5th and 9th place respectively. Expect a hard fought match as we enter the final stretch of the 2016 Apertura. Chivas will likely line up in a 4-4-1-1 as they have in the past.
Goalkeeper: Rodolfo Cota
Cota is second to last in saves this season out of all goalies with 35, but that number can mostly be attributed to Chivas’ defense, which has done a good job preventing shots this season.
Left Back: Edwin Hernández
Hernández remains a rock in the back for Guadalajara, and has proven that he can play further up the field when required.
Center Backs: Carlos Salcido and Jair Pereira
As noted previously, Chivas have allowed very few shots this season, and have the third-best defensive record in the league, with just 11 goals conceded. Although many players have taken up center back duties this year, Salcido and Pereira are the only options that provide the age and experience that Chivas require.
Right Back: Jesús Sánchez
Sánchez has started every game for Chivas this year, and like his counterpart Edwin Hernández, has proven he can provide an offensive contribution on occasion in addition to his defensive ones.
Left Midfielder: Carlos Cisneros
Cisneros may not have great numbers so far this year (one goal and no assists), but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a contributor to Chivas’ success thus far. He is another proven two-way player for Guadalajara, and despite being listed as a forward has made 32.6% of his passes on Chivas’ own half of the field.
Center Midfielders: Orbelín Pineda and Michael Pérez
Pineda picked up a slight knock for Mexico over the break, but it is not expected to keep him out of the game at this point. Pineda is joint-2nd in passing percentage this season, with an impressive 88.3% coming from over 1,000 passes. Pérez has a very good passing record in his own right, completing 83.4% of his passes.
Right Midfielder: Isaac Brizuela
There has arguably been no bigger breakout star this season than Brizuela. He has set up 21 chances this season, tied for 2nd in Liga MX. He’s also scored 4 goals and has a single assist, and was the star of the show in Chivas’ win in El Súper Clásico.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Javier “Chofis” López
Chofis has been one of the most interesting players in the league since breaking onto the scene last year. He has essentially been the 12th man for Chivas this season, but has been a huge offensive threat throughout the year, and thanks to Alan Pulido’s recent injury will get the start on Sunday.
Striker: Ángel Zaldívar
Zaldívar has not had all that much time up front at Chivas this season, but he is a natural forward and has 3 goals this season in league play. He will likely be asked to play up top in the absence of Alan Pulido.
(4-4-1-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
