Chivas de Guadalajara got lucky with the scheduling this weekend, being fortunate enough to play the final game of the Jornada and therefore have maximum time to recover from both their Copa MX match and their showdown with Boca Juniors. Chivas have won their last two competitive matches by a score of 1-0, but Santos will be a much tougher customer than either Querétaro or Venados. In fact, Santos are undefeated this season in league play, though they have only managed a draw in both of their road matches so far. Without further ado, let’s get into the lineup for Chivas:
Goalkeeper: Rodolfo Cota
Here’s your weekly Cota stat: The Chivas keeper is a joint 3rd for total saves this season, and has conceded fewer goals than the two in front of him.
Left Back: Edwin Hernández
When doesn’t this guy get the start? While many starters make substitute appearances in the Copa, Hernández has never even been considered for such a role.
Center Backs: Oswaldo Alanís and Jair Pereira
Alanís and Pereira have gotten the start in every game they’ve been available to play this year.
Right Back: Jesús Sánchez
Sánchez got his first goal of the season last week, and from the run of play no less. “Chapito” has always shown some ability to play further up the field, and is about as two-way as right backs come.
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Central Midfielders: Orbelín Pineda and José Vázquez
Orbelín had an outstanding assist last week, setting up Chapito Sánchez for a routine finish. Vázquez has clearly become the preferred partner for Pineda, taking over the role formerly held by Michael Perez.
Left Wing: Ángel Zaldívar
Nobody but Matías Almeyda knows why he insists on playing Zaldívar here on the left wing, but that’s his spot now, for better or for worse.
Center Attacking Midfielder: Rodolfo Pizarro
Rodolfo has mostly been playing behind Pulido this year, with mixed results. Regardless, when you shell out a huge fee like Chivas did, you’re not going to leave him on the bench.
Right Wing: Javier “Chofis” López
The most entertaining player on Earth (you know it’s true) has actually been playing quite well this season, even if his goal and assist numbers might not indicate so.
Forward: Alan Pulido
Pulido scored Chivas’ only goal against Boca Juniors on Thursday, and hopefully will have some boosted confidence heading into this game.
