It’s Clásico Tapatío weekend in Guadalajara, as Atlas are set to host Chivas in one of the biggest rivalry games of the season. Mexico’s oldest rivalry should be a good game; Atlas are perfect at home, while Chivas are unbeaten on the road. Quite a few players in this match up appeared for El Tri on Wednesday, so there is no doubt that both teams have quality players on hand. Chivas played a strong team with two midweek games last week, so it’s unlikely that this Mexico game will interfere with their plans at all.
Goalkeeper: Rodolfo Cota
Chivas may have mixed up the formula a little bit last week against Santos, but Cota is of course unaffected.
Left Back: Edwin Hernández
Hernández has played all but 10 minutes of this season for Chivas. Chivas left back remains one of the most stable positions in the entire league; Hernández is always ready to play and is always the best option.
Center Backs: Jair Pereira and Oswaldo Alanís
A rather confused defensive line allowed Santos to take the lead last Sunday, but it still seems the revolving door at CB has stopped.
Right Back: Jesús Sánchez
Sánchez’s recent form for Chivas has some fans convinced he deserves a chance for El Tri. I’m not entirely sure I agree, but to even be in the conversation for a Mexico selection is high praise.
Left Midfielder: Ángel Zaldívar
Zaldívar seems to be firmly planted in this spot. Although he had 5 goals to his name during the Apertura, the Guadalajara native has yet to score this season.
Center Midfielders: Orbelin Pineda and Javier “Chofis” Lopez
Orbelin played 90 minutes against Iceland for El Tri on Wednesday, but should be ready for normal duty for the Clásico Tapatío this weekend. Pineda is an outstanding talent, and is still just 20 years old. La Chofis will be playing in the center this week, but should still be able to create the same way he always does.
Right Midfielder: Isaac Brizuela
Brizuela hasn’t played nearly as much as you would expect this season, and is yet to start a league game in 2017. He looked pretty dangerous last week, and set up the game tying goal, so it will be hard to deny him a start against Atlas.
Attacking Midfielder: Rodolfo Pizarro
Pizarro played just under Pulido last week, and will likely do so again in the Clásico. To the delight of Chivas fans everywhere, Pizarro got his second goal of the season against Santos in the dying minutes of the match, salvaging a point at home.
Striker: Alan Pulido
Pulido scored what turned out to be the game winner against Iceland on Wednesday night. The goal no doubt pleased Chivas supporters who are hopeful Pulido can get back to his scoring ways against Atlas.
