It’s the biggest rivalry in Mexico, and the biggest game of the regular season. Chivas and América clash on February 18 at Estadio Chivas, and it is shaping up to be quite the match. Chivas will certainly enter as favorites, but as anyone with any Liga MX experience will tell you, nothing is certain in this game. Curious of what eleven players these two giants will send out of the tunnel come game time? Let’s take a look:
Club América Super Clasico Predicted Lineup
Goalkeeper: Agustín Marchesin
For all the freaking out about Marchesin’s start, he has done much better than you would think; three clean sheets out of four heading into Saturday’s clash.
Left Back: Miguel Samudio
Center Backs: Pablo Aguilar and Paolo Goltz
América have dabbled with a 5 man defense this year, but don’t expect it against Chivas.
Right Back: Bruno Valdéz
Valdez was in the center last week, but he should be back in his usual right back role for the big game.
Left Midfielder: Michael Arroyo
Arroyo had been previously dropped due to the 10/8 rule, but with budding star Cecilio Dominguez unlikely to start due to a shoulder injury, Arroyo may find himself back on the pitch.
Center Midfielders: William da Silva and José Guerrero
Right Midfielder: Renato Ibarra
Ibarra is always a thrilling player to watch, even though he has yet to score this season.
Forwards: Oribe Peralta and Darwin Quintero
Peralta will be the lone man up front for Las Aguilas. Despite only having one goal to his name this season, Oribe is still a top level threat and will be trouble for the Chivas defense. Quintero hasn’t had the same role as in previous years, and has been part of the Copa MX squad, but América is going to bring firepower for this game.
1 Chivas Super Clasico Predicted Lineup
Goalkeeper: Rodolfo Cota
Left Back: Edwin Hernández
Center Backs: Oswaldo Alanís and Jair Pereira
What is there to say about this defense? It’s consistent, and it’s been pretty good. Chivas only concedes an average of one goal per game, and in this league being able to keep the game close can add up to a lot of points earned at the death over the course of a season.
Right Back: Jesús Sánchez
Left Midfielder: Isaac Brizuela
Isaac only has one start this season, but he has been so good when he’s gotten the chance.
Center Midfielders: Rodolfo Pizarro and Orbelin Pineda
América are normally seen as the big money spenders, but Pizarro is an exception. Chivas paid huge money for him, and the 22 year old is starting to deliver. Orbelin has been nothing short of outstanding this season, and scored a simple finish against Atlas last week to put Chivas ahead 2-0.
Right Midfielder: Javier Lopéz
Interesting stat about La Chofis: He has 11 shots from outside the area this season. Lopéz is not afraid to rip it, and América will have to close him down in addition to dealing with the Chivas forwards.
Forwards: Alan Pulido and Ángel Zaldívar
While Pulido was getting some rest last week in the Clasico Tapatío, Zaldivar finally got a game at his preferred forward position. Considering his success, it’s likely they will both be playing up front on Saturday.
