2017 Liga MX Apertura Preview in a sentence

Liga MX is back! Here’s a small look at what to expect from all 18 teams from the most prestigious league in North America.

Club America - Once again, las Aguilas’ bid for Liga MX glory is in the hands of Miguel Herrera, who left fond memories for the azulcrema faithful in his first stint at the club.

Atlas - Increased expectations after reaching the Liguilla last season and losing out to arch-rivals and eventual champions Chivas.

Lobos BUAP - Rafael Puente Jr has gone from telenovela actor and ESPN analyst to coaching in Liga MX, and he will look to carry that ambition into Lobos BUAP’s first season in the top-tier.

Cruz Azul - La Maquina often find themselves to be the butt of everybody’s jokes, and Paco Jemez, in his second season in charge of Cruz Azul, thinks it is time to change that.

Chivas - Whether Matias Almeyda can motivate his team to a second straight league title remains to be seen, but the Rebano is without a doubt, one of the teams to watch again this season.

Leon - Following an underwhelming 2017 Clausura, former Marcelo Bielsa assistant, Javier Torrente, needs to target a top-eight position or be out of a job.

Monterrey - Having one of the most talented squads in all of Mexico assumes colossal proportions, and in that regard, it is now or never for Rayados.

Morelia - Coach Roberto Hernandez steered Monarcas Morelia to survival last season, and with that out of the way, the team can start thinking of bigger things.

Necaxa - As ever, Necaxa are not a pretty team and now have chosen Ignacio Ambriz as the man to take the club forward.

Pachuca - Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has left to pursue his European dream, but in Keisuke Honda’s arrival to Mexico, Pachuca might have made the biggest signing this season.

Puebla - After finishing last in the standings last season, Puebla will have to do more if they want to have their usual midtable finish.

Queretaro - Gallos Blancos regarded last season as one of transitioning, so it is up to Jimmy Lozano and his boys to show why they received their board’s backing.

Santos Laguna - Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre’s men should have enough to make another appearance in the Liguilla, but beyond that, it remains to be seen.

Tijuana - With Miguel Herrera no longer as head coach, new-boy Eduardo Coudet will need to impress to win over the Tijuana faithful.

Toluca - Consistency will be key for Hernan Cristante’s men if they want take that extra step into the final.

Tigres - Tigres remain one of the most compelling sides in recent Liga MX history, and to count them out would be foolish.

Pumas UNAM - It’s tough to see Pumas UNAM fighting for more than a Liguilla place, especially with so many of their players leaving season after season.

Veracruz - Another relegation battle is upon the Tiburones Rojos.