Bold Predictions: Guard1anes 2020 Round 12

Yesterday, Pachuca and Toluca kicked off Round 12 with a 0-0 draw, extending the latter’s winless streak to six games. In that span, they’ve compiled 2 draws and 4 losses, taking them completely out of the top 4 conversation, and putting them just three spots from missing out on the playoffs. Before these six games, they had won three straight matches; a complete testament to Liga MX’s inconsistency.

Round 12 continues tonight, when Puebla host Querétaro at 8:30 ET (7:30 CT), followed by the FC Juárez - Atlas matchup. Not to mention, the best matchups this weekend holds in store with the ‘Clásico Regio’ on Saturday and the ‘Clásico Jóven’ on Sunday. With the season entering its final third, the predictions naturally get harder, as teams have more to play for, coupled with the rising pressure and intensity. With that said, here are Round 12’s BOLD PREDICTIONS:

• Puebla enter top 8 in league table. For this to occur, not only do Puebla have to defeat Querétaro at home tonight, but Chivas have to draw or lose at home vs. Mazatlán. With Querétaro only obtaining one point in six games on the road so far, I see Puebla having no problem overcoming Alex Diego’s squad. On the other hand, Chivas have struggled at home this season, only winning one of their five matches played in Estadio Akron. Mazatlán have lacked quality on the road, especially, but the former Morelia franchise had a knack for getting under Vucetich-led teams. I predict Mazatlán come out of Guadalajara with at least a draw tomorrow, allowing Puebla to overthrow Chivas for 8th place in the table.
• Rayados claim ‘CLASICO REGIO.’ Both clubs are in dire need of reestablishing their fans’ trust in them. Despite both having exactly the same season thus far, tied in 6th place with 17 points, the manner in which they’ve reached said spot hasn’t been close to the desired one. Owning two of the most expensive teams in the entire league, they’ve struggled mightily and let points slip in games that should’ve been sure victories. We know of Mohamed’s struggles vs. Tigres in previous years, and his inability of getting that monkey of his back in the important games. If this was a playoff match, I’d probably go with “Tuca” and company, but being as it’s still the regular season, matched with Tigres’s equally inconsistent performances, I predict Rayados will find a way to win this one. On an interesting note, even though they’ve only won two out of their five home games, Rayados are still undefeated at home, believe it or not. I expect that to continue through this weekend against a shaky Tigres defense.
• Cruz Azul get 3rd ‘CLASICO JOVEN’ regular season win in a row. Many have made the argument that América has owned Cruz Azul since that Clausura 2013 final miracle, especially in the playoffs, that particular argument is true. Despite that, however, what many fail to recognize is that ‘La Máquina’ have defeated their Mexico City rivals in their last two regular season opportunities (three if we count the second leg of the Quarter Finals of the Clausura 2019 season). The fact of the matter is that Cruz Azul have looked sharper when facing the yellow and blue as of late. As a plus, Siboldi’s squad are perfect in all five Estadio Azteca matches, while América have won four out of six. Just as in my ‘Clásico Regio’ prediction, I’d have América if it were the playoffs. Cruz Azul, however, are kings of the regular season. I expect Cruz Azul to maintain their ‘superlíderes’ status with a win on Sunday.