The newest addition of the Liga MX season has arrived: the Apertura 2017. Opening kick-off is this Friday, July 21. Before the upcoming weekend, Last Word On Soccer will break down the top three must watch games for Jornada 1.
With a vast majority of matches being played throughout the weekend you really can’t go wrong. Every match will bring its own flourish of excitement because like always, this league tends to not disappoint. But if you only had time to watch three games, these would be my top picks for the Liga MX week one.
Previewing Liga MX Week One Top Three Matches
Club America vs Queretaro
After their last encounter in the SuperCup MX both sides face each other once again. Club America will be looking to put their troubles behind and start a new campaign on a high. Manager Miguel Herrera is already feeling the heat after his side ended their preseason on a poor note. Not having Pablo Aguilar, Cecilia Domínguez or Guido Rodríguez available for selection will dampen this side. Queretaro on the other hand come into the game with plenty of confidence. While they may not be the star-studded side America is, as a unit they’ve demonstrated they can be better. Jaime Lozano will be looking to ride this wave of success into the Azteca and look to get a good result.
Guadalajara vs Toluca
After losing to Tigres in the Champion of Champions game, Chivas focus their attention to Toluca. Probably the biggest game of the opening week, these teams will be looking to start off with a win. Chivas will have home field advantage, but as far as advantages in general, that’s pretty much it. With a very weak and young squad at hand Guadalajara will have a tough game come Saturday. Toluca on the other hand have experience and more of a potent force compared to Chivas. But their aging squad could be their downfall. Regardless of that fact, this game promises to be open with chances at both ends. The two main protagonists of this game will be the goalkeepers and who will have a better game.
Pumas UNAM vs Pachuca
The last match on this watch list is non other than Pumas vs Pachuca. The Sunday kick-off game will see a fully healthy Pumas squad try to start their campaign off right. Paco Palencia will be hopeful for a good result seeing as how his star striker Nico Castillo is healthy and ready to go. Although Pachuca are pretty confident they can upset the home team. After adding Keisuke Honda to their squad, Pachuca looks even stronger. Once seen as the young youth developing team, Los Tuzos come into the game with vast star power and experience. It will be interesting to see how well these reinforcements can work come Sunday against a very pragmatic Pumas side.
