Chivas Guadalajara and Club America, the top rivals in Mexican soccer, are giving us an additional dose of action during this international break. On Sunday, the two fierce rivals will square off at NRG Stadium in Texas; it has been just over a month since their previous league encounter, in which America prevailed 1-0. Before Liga MX Apertura action resumes, both teams will be eager to return to their best ways. Chivas will also be starting this season with Arturo Ortega as their temporary head coach, following the confirmation of Fernando Gago’s departure, with the Argentine anticipated to be officially named Boca Juniors’ next manager.
These are our plots, how to watch the game, and other details:
The odds and how to watch
- Time: 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 13.
- NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas is the location.
- Watch: Fubo (free trial) | Stream: Telemundo
The aperture form
Gago’s replacement is now being considered by Chivas, and whomever takes over will take over a patchy team that has four victories, three ties, and four losses thus far. Chivas lost to Atlas 3-2 at home last time out, dropping them to ninth place overall in the Apertura rankings. With four victories, two draws, and five losses, America is now in 10th place, only one point ahead of the reigning Mexican champions. Aguilas, led by Andre Jardine, are aiming for a playoff spot either directly or through a play-in, but they will need to improve after drawing away at Leon last time out to finish just below Rebano Sagrado.
Team news
The absence of Victor Guzman and Erick Gutierrez from the trip to Texas may allow Omar Govea to join the Chivas. Since Jose Castillo is also out, Mateo Chavez may start in goal, and Oscar Whalley should start before Raul Rangel. Jesus and Roberto Alvarado are with Rangel. While Javier Hernandez, Cade Cowell, and Armando Gonzalez are all out due to injuries, Gilberto Orozco Chiquete is with the senior national team.
Oscar Whalley, Antonio Briseno, Gilberto Sepulveda, Mateo Chavez, Jesus Sanchez, Omar Govea, Fernando Beltran, Victor Guzman, Carlos Cisneros, Yael Padilla, and Ricardo Marin are all potential members of the Chivas XI.
America: While Alejandro Zendejas, Cristian Borja, Diego Valdes, and Sebastian Caceres of the USMNT are on international service, Henry Martin and Luis Malagon are with the senior Mexican team. Erick Sanchez, Nestor Araujo, and Igor Lichnovsky are joined in the medical bay by wounded Brian Rodriguez.
Potential members of the America XI include: Alvaro Fidalgo, Jonathan Dos Santos, Richard Sanchez, Javairo Dilrosun, Rodrigo Aguirre, Víctor Davila, Ramon Juarez, Miguel Vazquez, Cristian Calderon, and Kevin Alvarez.
Forecasting
Even while the Clasico de Clasicos will usually draw a large audience, with the players absent, this will undoubtedly not be the most comprehensive edition of the event. With all of that combined with Gago’s exit, this match is probably going to conclude in a score tie. Selection: Chivas 1, America 1.
