As the teams in Mexico make a final push for the playoffs, and the battle for the top spot in Argentina heats up, the American army of players south of the border is set to take to the pitch in a promising weekend of action. So sit back, grab a cerveza and tune in.
MEXICAN PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
Estudiantes (3-9-3) vs. Toluca (5-4-6); Friday, 10 p.m. ET, Galavisión
American: Samuel Ochoa (EST)
In their last home match of the season, Estudiantes will look to defeat playoff-hopeful Toluca in order to climb out of the league cellar and pull away from the relegation zone.
With a number of injured players, Ochoa will, at the very least, come on as a substitute to aid in striking duties.
San Luis vs. Santos; Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, TeleFutura
American: Edgar Castillo (SL)
At just three points from securing direct qualification to the playoffs, San Luis will need a victory against a very tough Santos team. Should los Gladiadores fail to get a victory, their outlook could turn very sour in the final week of play.
Left back Castillo has gotten two consecutive substitute appearances, and could come on if San Luis need a late attacking boost.
Pachuca vs. Querétaro; Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, TeleFutura
Americans: José Francisco Torres, Marco Vidal, Hérculez Gómez (PAC)
Pachuca are coming off a vital win last week and will look to keep momentum going. Los Tuzos’ best bet of seeing playoff action is through a wild card spot, so a win against a Querétaro team fighting for top flight survival is crucial.
It seems as though Torres has won his starting midfield spot back, and his creativity will be key for Pachuca’s attack. Looking to come off the bench are Vidal, who can bring some solid defensive work in the midfield, and Gómez, who can give Pachuca a late boost in the attack.
Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Cruz Azul; Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, Telemundo
American: Miguel Ángel Ponce (CHI)
Chivas need a win to keep their dim playoff hopes alive. Thus, it’s likely they’ll launch into attack mode from the start. But in front of them will be No. 1 Cruz Azul, who hold the league’s best offense and are tied at second for best defense.
Ponce will man his usual left back spot from the start and will need to contribute to the attack without risking his defensive duties.
MEXICAN LIGA DE ASCENSO
Indios de Ciudad Juárez (7-3-5) vs. Tijuana (10-0-5), Saturday, 6 p.m. ET
Americans: Joaquín Alonso (IND); Joe Corona (TIJ)
It’s a battle between Americans as two of the league’s top four teams face off when Indios host a Tijuana side that has been impressive in its run to the top.
Corona had a day off last week, but his valuable two-way work in the midfield should see him feature in this contest. Forward Alonso hasn’t had a chance to show himself this season, but will have a chance to do so in this match, as he’ll likely be on the bench.
ARGENTINE PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
Estudiantes de La Plata (8-1-3) vs. Lanús (5-4-3)
American: Michael Hoyos (ELP)
Estudiantes, unbeaten in their last six (four wins, two draws), look to keep their place atop the league when they host Lanús, who have lost two straight.
Suffering from a woe of suspensions and injuries in the midfield, los Pincharratas will turn to Hoyos to help fill one of the holes. It’ll be the American’s first league start of the season.
Others matches:
Jaguares de Chiapas (5-4-6) vs. Atlas (3-9-3); Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, TV Azteca
Americans: Francisco Javier López (JAG)
Atlante (4-8-3) vs. América (6-3-6); Saturday, 11 p.m. ET, Telemundo
Americans: Sonny Guadarrama (ATL), Isaac Acuña (AME)
Pumas Morelos (4-3-8) vs. León (6-6-3); Saturday, 6 p.m. ET
American: Víctor Sánchez García (LEO)
