Jornada 7 Preview: Hits Keep On Coming

Posted Saturday, February 20, 2010 by Goal.com

Chivas will look to try and keep their red-hot winning streak alive at home while a pair of the season's best teams meet in Monterrey.

The weeks are seemingly flying by during the Bicentenario 2010 season. Before last weekend's games, each team had played just four games but now the teams will have seven under their belt soon enough. Wednesday's Jornada 6 games provided some drama and set up yet another enticing weekend of games.

SATURDAY

Monterrey vs. Queretaro, 6 p.m. ET

Who would have guessed before the season that this matchup would pit two of the best teams during the Bicentenario 2010 season? While Monterrey's success is no surprise, Queretaro have caught some teams off guard. Sure, it's still early but don't spoil Queretaro's party just yet. Los Gallos battled back againts a tough Pumas side on Wednesday and showed their grit and determination in doing so. This will be the another tough test for Queretaro as Monterrey are no slouch. Los Rayados' offense is quite potent, perhaps too much for Queretaro to handle

Prediction: Monterrey, 2-1.

Jaguares vs. Pachuca, 6 p.m. ET

Indios might be the worst team in Mexico, but Jagaures aren't too far behind. Jaguares have no added bonus from playing home games. They might not be giving up a load of goals but Jaguares are not winning either. Jaguares lost 1-0 games to Cruz Azul and Queretaro and tied Tigres 2-2 at home. Pachuca will probably find Jaguares' defense to their liking, and after dropping a tough home game to Chivas on Wednesday, will probably come out well-prepared to get back on the right track.

Prediction: Pachuca, 2-0.

Morelia vs. Toluca, 8 p.m. ET

Morelia had troubles dealing with the official and themselves on Wednesday. Morelia had a pair of early chances that could have led to goals but squandered them. Cruz Azul scored a late goal and Morelia manager afterward exploded against the officiating. For Morelia to come into this game and expect a win, Wednesday's game must be well out of mind by kickoff. Toluca might gain some steam. Los Diablos got their first win on Wednesday, and even though two goals had fortuitous bounces Toluca's offense was dangerous throughout.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

Chivas vs. Puebla, 8 p.m. ET

Chivas have made history already, by winning six consecutive games to start a season. Can the club reach seven? It's possible, especially given this match is at home. Puebla are a decent opponent, capable of scoring multiple goals, so Chivas' defense must control the back. Javier Hernandez is one of several players who could miss the gam edue to injury - "Chicharito" missed Wednesday's game in Pachuca with injury. Still, while Chivas can take this game, at some point things will balance out. Chivas can't keep winning every game, can they?

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

San Luis vs. Atlas, 9:45 p.m. ET

Each team's respective games on Wednesday were polar opposites. San Luis and Puebla were scoreless with three minutes left when Puebla scored a goal and held on for a 1-0 win. Atlas meanwhile scored in the second minute of their game against Indios and went on to win 7-1. San Luis likely won't allow seven goals but must account for Miguel Zepeda and Dario Botinelli, Atlas' two biggest guns. Meanwhile, Atlas are hoping to continue their good form. Atlas won at Santos, so success on the road isn't something new to this team.

Prediction: Atlas, 2-1.

SUNDAY

Pumas vs. Atlante, 1 p.m. ET

Pumas' unbeaten record fell on Wednesday as Pumas lost at Queretaro. While this may seem stunning, consider that Pumas' record was 1-0-4 before Wednesday. Pumas had been doing just enough not to lose but not nearly enough to win. Perhaps the loss was a wake-up call and Pumas will be able to get another win against Atlante. Los Potros picked up their first win of the season on Wednesday, against a terrible Jaguares side. Atlante too might react from this match and could gain some much-needed confidence. But Pumas are the side with the pressure and urgency to win, and will do so against an Atlante team that still has major holes.

Prediction: Pumas, 1-0.

Indios vs. Cruz Azul, 3 p.m. ET

This is a curiously interesting matchup. Indios and Cruz Azul have more in common than it would appear. Both sides have just two goals this season and are mired in slumps. Neither team can produce much of anything and the prospect of the season slipping away soon is there. Still, Cruz Azul translated their two goals into six points while Indios' goals amounted to one point. For Cruz Azul, if they cannot get their offense on track against a team that just allowed seven goals, perhaps it is time to bench the entire starting lineup. Cruz Azul should win, but then again Cruz Azul should have more than two goals from their first six games of the year.

Prediction: Cruz Azul, 1-0.

Santos vs. Estudiantes, 5 p.m. ET

Santos reached the playoffs a season ago so their 4-1-1 record isn't a complete surprise, but the club has raised eyebrows with their impressive early-season play. Santos came back from an early 1-0 hole on the road Thursday, as Daniel Ludueña scored a great goal and set up another. Ludueña's former club comes in licking their wounds. Estudiantes have scored the fifth-most goals in the league, so offense is not the issue. Estudiantes have given up 14 goals, tied with Indios for the most goals allowed in the league - and Indios had to give up seven on Wednesday just to reach that figure. Santos should find plenty to their liking with their opponent.

Prediction: Santos, 3-1.

America vs. Tigres, 5:30 p.m. ET

About a year ago, America were playing good soccer everywhere but at home. Las Aguilas won just one home game during the Clausura '09 season and players said they needed to work on their play at home. Now, the club is golden in Azteca, having won all three of their home games by a combined 8-1. However, the opposite problem is true. America are struggling terribly on the road. America have lost all three of their road games by a combined 6-1. Tigres visits Azteca, but Tigres have more issues than America at this point. Manager Daniel Guzman is under constant fire for the poor play of Tigres but the club has stood by him after each setback. Club officials will have to do more standing after this match.

Prediction: America, 2-0.