Game day is upon us and Piojo has released his lineup….. Yes, Vela is starting with former Chivas teammate Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez up top.  While many were hoping for a 3-headed attack of Gio, Chicha, & Vela, most knew that was not likely w/Piojo’s current tactics. I agree with Cesar Hernandez, I wish Piojo would have introduced Vela like in a certain Disney movie

Nice Graphic from @NayibMoran

GK

Memo Ochoa is still the starter and will likely continue to do so for El Tri. He would be foolish to think Talavera is not closing in on him. Alfredo has had a great season with Toluca. Ochoa is basically in the showroom for other euro teams to take a look at. Malaga is believed to be looking to cash in on their unused keeper. I bet Tala starts in the 2nd game as the backup keeper has been doing since the WC.

DEF

Another game, another new look back 3. Alanis, Reyes, & Herrera will be called upon against The Netherlands. This game might double as a showcase for Reyes if Porto decides to loan him out in January. Diego will be asked to play the Libero role that Rafa plays so well. The defense will definitely be tested against a good Netherlands team. They might be missing Van Persie but are still formidable in their own right. Memo will need to keep his defense organized against a seasoned opponent. Paul Aguilar has more caps than the other 4 defenders combined. If Mexico fall today, it will likely be due to the back line not holding their own. They have few caps between them but Mexico needs to bleed new defenders in. Trial by fire seems to be the method chosen by Piojo.

MID

At this point in time, I believe this is Mexico’s best options in the middle. Gallito gives the midfield the bite it needs in the middle. He has been a revelation since his insertion into the starting lineup. Herrera and Guardado have been playing well at their clubs and it has bled over into their national team form. Maybe Guardado and Tecatito have converted some of the Dutch people into Mexico fans. I mean, they did belt out “Cielito Lindo” for Guardado a few weeks ago.

FWD

Vela has had a rough year but is coming off his best game for Real Sociedad against the stingy defense of Atletico Madrid. Chicharito has not gelled well with his previous strike partner of Peralta, maybe it will rekindle with old flame of Carlos Vela. I doubt Vela has ever played in a 3-5-2, that might come with a bit of a learning curve. He has all the talent in the world, that much is obvious. More importantly, I’m curious to see how the bromance of Gio and Vela will perform on the field.

#Bromance

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