Bold Predictions: Guard1anes 2020 Week 3

After no surprises in the Week 2 results, América and Pumas (surprisingly) share ‘league-leader’ status, as they remain the only two perfect teams in the league. América holds the tie-breaker as they possess better goal difference. And while I believe it’s a matter of time before Pumas awakes to its ugly truth, it’s been a nice start for them, defeating two of the weakest teams in Liga MX. They face a bit of a tougher challenge this week in improved Juárez FC.

That said, Week 3 kicks off tonight at 8 ET (7 CT) with Pachuca vs. Querétaro, followed by Tijuana vs. Tigres at 10:06 ET (9:06 CT). The latter makes for an interesting matchup with Pablo Guede still straightening issues out with his young and talented roster. On the other hand, we are still waiting for our chance to see Leo Fernández in a regular role. With this, we give way to our Week 3 BOLD PREDICTIONS:

• Leo Fernández will play over 20 minutes in Tijuana. This has to be a bold prediction for me considering Ferretti’s stubbornness. Even if the reports on Leo not being physically fit to start are true, that doesn’t take away from him coming in for the final 15-30 minutes to refresh the team. There’s something more that we aren’t being told. What a better way to start getting his legs under him and getting him in rhythm with the rest of the team than giving him small amounts of playing time until he’s fit to take over the starting role. Expect Leo to be subbed in tonight, as the pressure will continue to mount on “Tuca” if the team lets more points escape with Leo warming the bench.
• León will end Cruz Azul’s 10-league match unbeaten run. With a highly talented, menacing, offensive squad, León takes all of its firepower into the Olímpico Universitario stadium to take on Siboldi’s unbreakable Cruz Azul. After last season, everyone doubted if La Máquina would have the ability to continue their dominant run, and so far they have, as they didn’t lose a single match in the Copa por México title run and have yet to lose in Guard1anes 2020. León however, pose a great threat, as this offense has been very unlucky through the first two games, creating countless chances only to end up in disappointment. But it’s only a matter of time before Ambriz’s squad finds its ‘mojo’ and starts turning those chances into goals like they have for the past year and a half. With all the expectations surrounding this matchup, I expect León’s offense to rise to the occasion, ending Cruz Azul’s eye-opening run.
• Chivas continue drought with loss to Puebla. This is no doubt a toughy. It’s never easy to bet in favor of a historically limited squad like Puebla. And let’s face it, they got lucky last Friday with the wet field and Cruz Azul struggling to adjust to the conditions. Puebla got an early second half goal which allowed them to sit back and wait for the rest of the match. I just don’t like what I’ve seen from Chivas dating back to the Copa por México. They’ve shown close to nothing and have lost all their games with though opponents. The only one they didn’t lose was Week 1 vs. León, where La Fiera should’ve scores about five times. Look for Puebla to take this one unexpectedly on the road, extending Chivas’ drought to start the season.
• Atlas get first win of the season. After a crushing home loss last weekend to a last-minute header by Pumas’ Juan Dinneno, Atlas have lost both of their games to start the season. While they haven’t shown enough for us to expect much out of them, they were definitely unlucky in their last game. The result could’ve easily been a win for Atlas had they capitalized on those late opportunities. With Atlético San Luis being unable to defeat Juárez FC at home and losing to Toluca last week on the road, everyone expects “Memo” Vázquez and company to get their first win back at home this week. Think again. Rafa Puente Jr. will lead his team into the Alfonso Lastras and suprise everyone with their first victory, and only the second since the young head coach’s arrival back in January.