After a strong performance against Honduras, Piojo is hoping to go 2 for 2. Let’s preview the matchup versus another CONCACAF team.

 

Starting 11:

Thoughts On Lineup 

Piojo has picked his starting 11 and it features many differences from Mexico’s game against Honduras. Many of these were expected as Herrera looks to build his “2 teams” for next summer. 

As long as Mexico keeps using the 3-5-2, they will be in need of players comfortable playing in that style. This is especially true of CBs and Wing backs that Piojo will call on. He seems intent of building depth at CB in order to find a trio he can call on in big games. Ayala, Herrera, & Venegas will take the call today. Ayala is in search of his form from last year but can be a good player for Mexico going forward. These 3 CBs have hardly played together but look to continue Mexico’s shut out streak of 3 games.

Layun and Aguilar are the entrenched starters on the outside but who is behind them? Pizarro is young enough to feature on multiple teams for Mexico in the coming years, he should be a starter on their Copa America team, and Olympic team. He is only 20 years old and one to watch for the future.

Herrera and Fabian a (especially Herrera) have been stalwarts for Piojo in the midfield. Hector had, by his standards, a sub par game last time out. He did not really influence the game. Marco had one of his better games for Mexico in recent times. He was influential in both of Mexico’s goals against Honduras. Once El Tri has all their midfield options on the table, Fabian will hope Piojo keeps his recent play in mind. The new guy in the midfield is Guemez from Tijuana. He reminds me of Herrera in that he has excelled once making the jump to LigaMX from the lower divisions. Rios was the starter last game and seemed to be overwhelmed physically in the middle. Guemez is more of a physical player than a finesse player who can spray balls all over the field ala Jona. Every coach loves to have different options for different opponents. Maybe having a fighter at DM is a better option against overtly physical teams? Guemez can establish himself as that option today.

Chicharito is starting but his partner up top is a surprise to many. Javier Orozco is starting up top with Chicharito. Many, me included, expected the duo of Cubo and Chicharito getting the start today. This has to be Piojo throwing Orozco a bone and might be his last shot at staying in his forward options.

 

I Still Cant Believe Raul Did This