Chivas of Guadalajara play their Liga MX Clausura 2017 Jornada 3 match at home vs Xolos of Tijuana, and are fresh off a crazy 2-2 draw against Monterrey that saw two Chivas players sent off. Xolos, on the other hand, put up a six-spot on Puebla and will be looking to carry that momentum into Jornada 3. Matías Almeyda will be left with limited options thanks to those two red cards (Jair Pereira and José Vázquez), so here is the best lineup he can field with his current resources:
Chivas Guadalajara Best XI vs Xolos:
Goalkeeper: Rodolfo Cota
Left Back: Edwin Hernández
Hernández scored the second goal for Chivas last week, although it wouldn’t end up being enough for the 3 points.
Center Backs: Oswaldo Alanís and Carlos Salcido
Alanís replaces the suspended Jair Pereira, and Salcido returns to the lineup after a week off.
Right Back: Jesús Sánchez
Sánchez will round out the defense, possibly taking up more of a wing-back role to help out against the tenacious Xolos defense, who gave up a league-low 13 goals during the Apertura.
Central Midfielders: Orbelín Pineda and Michael Perez
Orbelín has continued to do what he has always done; control the midfield and transition the ball from back to front. Perez has been neglected this year, but will get his chance to shine with Vazquez suspended.
Left Wing: Ángel Zaldívar
It’s a small sample size, but Zaldívar’s passing has been dismal this season (53.8% completion rating). That’s not to say he hasn’t been effective so far this Clausura, but he definitely needs to make safer passes moving forward.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Rodolfo Pizarro
The $15 million dollar man scored a fine volley last week, his first goal with the club. Chivas fans should expect more of the same in the future.
Right Wing: Isaac Brizuela
Brizuela is definitely in a positional battle with Chofis López at this point, but in a game where Chivas will have a weak bench, the reliable Brizuela should get the nod.
Forward: Alan Pulido
Pulido has adapted nicely to being the lone forward on this team, and has demonstrated an ability to move between the left and right sides as necessary.
