The 2018 Apertura edition of the “Clasico Capitalino” between Club America and Pumas UNAM will be played this Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the Estadio Azteca. Both teams are going into this match in bad form, but still have talented squads, here is what the starting lineups may look like.
Club America: Agustin Marchesin, Paul Aguilar, Bruno Valdez, Emanuel Aguilera, Luis Reyes, Guido Rodriguez, Mateus Uribe, Cecilio Dominguez, Renato Ibarra, Roger Martinez, Oribe Peralta
Las Aguilas are coming off a horrendous 2-0 loss to Leon away from home and Miguel Herrera is expected to make some changes for this match. “Piojo” used Carlos Vargas and Jorge Sanchez as his fullbacks, but both had poor performances and is likely to use the more experienced duo of Luis Reyes and Paul Aguilar.
Emanuel Aguilera is also a more experienced player that may be able to help the recent defensive troubles of this team. The attack has been ineffective recently and Andres Ibarguen and Diego Lainez specifically looked lot against Leon.
Herrera has plenty of options and Cecilio Dominguez and Renato Ibarra may be better options to provide a spark going forward. The strike partnership of Peralta and Martinez along with the midfield duo of Rodriguez and Uribe should stay consistent.
Pumas UNAM: Alfredo Saldivar, Alan Mendoza, Pablo Jaquez, Alejandro Arribas, Alan Mozo, Kevin Escamilla, Ignacio Malcorra, Martin Rodriguez, Pablo Barrera, Matias Alustiza, Felipe Mora
Pumas has been struggling with injury problems recently, but will have Spanish centre-back Alejandro Arribas back. However, young defender Luis Quintana has been ruled out of the match and will likely be replaced by Pablo Jaquez, who started against Queretaro during the week.
Paraguayan striker Carlos Gonzalez is still doubtful for the match and will be a game-time decision, but it seems unlikely that he would slot directly back in the starting 11. However, the strike partnership of Matias Alustiza and Felipe Mora has plenty of potential and can cause problems for the Aguilas’ backline.
