The Xolos Tijuana vs Monarcas Morelia Liga MX Week 4 match will take place this Friday, January 24, 2014 (7:30 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Caliente. Both teams have earned four points in three Liga MX matches this season. Xolos have made a fortress out of the Estadio Caliente, and haven’t lost a match at home since April, 2013, when they were defeated by Morelia. Can Monarcas once again defeat Xolos at the formidable Estadio Caliente?
Coach Cesar Farias took over the Tijuana squad in December, and his team is already showing huge improvements over what we saw when Jorge Almiron was the coach. Nonetheless, Tijuana is still getting used to Farias’ style, and this was shown in last week’s match against Pachuca.
Tijuana took an early 1-0 lead in the first half, and completely dominated the first 60 minutes of the match, but completely collapsed at the end of the game and ended up losing 2-1. Although Tijuana was the better squad, Pachuca was able to earn the win by taking advantage of Tijuana’s sloppy defense.
Farias needs to re-group his team and go out for the home win against a talented Morelia squad that is expected to go deep in the Liga MX playoffs and the Copa Libertadores. Morelia won its Week 3 match against Tigres by a score of 2-0 in front of a happy crowd at the Estadio Morelos. Although Morelia did not look great, they were able to earn all three points against a struggling Tigres.
It is also important to note that Duvier Riascos, a player who is loved in Tijuana for his great performances and hated for a missed Copa Libertadores penalty, will be making an appearance with Morelia. It will be interesting to see how the home crowd reacts to his return.
Xolos is dealing with several injuries, all these players are doubtful to start against Morelia: Edgar Castillo, Gregory Garza, Joe Corona, Dario Benedetto and Jaimen Ayovi.
Xolos Tijuana vs Morelia Prediction
Morelia has a talented squad that is still struggling to gel, but should prove to be a very difficult opponent for Xolos. Meanwhile, Tijuana are an extremely difficult opponent at home, and will take full advantage of the home crowd and the synthetic turf of the Estadio Caliente. The Xolos Tijuana vs Morelia match will end in a 2-1 victory for the home squad. Morelia has looked unimpressive this season, and won’t do well enough to break Tijuana’s amazing home streak.
Xolos Tijuana vs Morelia TV Schedule
The Xolos Tijuana vs Morelia match will be televised this Friday, January 24, 2014 on ESPN Deportes and Azteca America at 7:30 PM Pacific.
Xolos Tijuana 1-0 Morelia Highlights
Xolos win 1-0, highlights located above.
