Week 7 of the Liga MX 2018 Apertura will present one of the most heated rivalry games this season as Atlas host Chivas de Guadalajara at the Estadio Jalisco. Both teams are currently struggling, but this should not have an impact on the intensity a game like this will bring in the city of Guadalajara. Every player can make a difference in these types of games and the managers will need to be precise with their choices, here are the predicted lineups for both sides.
Atlas: Jose Hernandez, Cristian Calderon, Leiton Jimenez, Omar Gonzalez, Ismael Govea, Andres Andrade, Juan Pablo Vigon, Lorenzo Reyes, Bryan Garnica, Ricky Alvarez, Jefferson Duque
Atlas has been struggling massively this season, currently dead last in the 2018 Apertura with no wins, two points and no goals. Los Rojinegros have inclusively had some injury problems and could be missing striker Raul Octavio Rivero for this crucial encounter.
However, this may not be a bad thing as he is yet to find the back of the net in this tournament. The defense should stay consistent with what it has been while the midfield could see some adjustments with Juan Pablo Vigon coming back from injury.
The strike partnership of Ricky Alvarez and Jefferson Duque was not effective against Puebla, but should feature again in this match. Bryan Garnica did pull a fit after being subbed off early against Puebla, but is still Atlas’ best player and should be in the starting 11 against Los Rojiblancos.
Chivas: Miguel Jimenez, Edwin Hernandez, Mario De Luna, Jair Pereira, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Orbelin Pineda, Michael Perez, Isaac Brizuela, Eduardo Lopez, Angel Zaldivar, Alan Pulido
Chivas are not doing great either, currently in 10th place, but are on a two-game winning streak and have not conceded any goals in this run. Starting goalkeeper Raul Gudino will not be ready for this match and Miguel Jimenez will need to start a second consecutive game in net.
Carlos Salcido is still out due to an injury, while Alan Pulido will be ready to play against the cross-town rivals. Jose Cardozo should consider the strike partnership of Alan Pulido and Angel Zaldivar as Pulido can be a difference maker, while Zaldivar is in good form.
However, one of the two players could sit out as Jose Cardozo has been keen on Walter Gael Sandoval this season.
