Snak

Rubén Vázquez renunció a la vicepresidente de Independiente

BUENOS AIRES -- El vicepresidente primero de Independiente, Rubén Vázquez, renunció a su cargo en medio de la crisis institucional y deportiva que vive el club, y en señal de rechazo al acuerdo al que llegó la Comisión Directiva con el jefe de la CGT Azopardo, Hugo Moyano.

Mediante un escrito, Vázquez le comunicó al presidente de la institución, Javier Cantero, que renunció al estar "en completo desacuerdo con aceptar solucionar en parte las dificultades financieras del club negociando bajo la prepotencia de una oferta de poner dinero, exigiendo prácticamente de hecho dirigir la institución".

"Este es mi límite", agregó Vázquez, disconforme por el acuerdo al que llegó la Comisión Directiva con el sindicalista Moyano, quien colaborará económicamente con el club a cambio de que se adelanten las elecciones previstas para diciembre.

Cantero y algunos integrantes de la Comisión Directiva aceptaron que Moyano se haga cargo del atraso de dos meses en los salarios que tiene el plantel y los sueldos hasta que finalice el torneo de la Primera B Nacional.

Además, el sindicalista se comprometió a pagar las primas y los premios si el equipo consigue el regreso a Primera División a mitad de año.

Las elecciones están previstas para diciembre, pero al llegar al acuerdo verbal con Moyano, Cantero aceptó adelantarlas para julio o agosto.

Entre lunes y martes habrá una nueva reunión entre los dirigentes oficialistas y los integrantes de la Agrupación Independiente, que tiene a Moyano como cara visible, para firmar el acuerdo. El jueves, Moyano pidió públicamente que Cantero deje la presidencia del club al aseverar que "no tiene autoridad sobre nadie, ni sobre los empleados ni los jugadores", y al día siguiente se produjo la reunión en la que llegaron al acuerdo que motivó la renuncia de Vázquez.

Tras la caída del equipo ante Sarmiento en Junín, el último lunes, Cantero amagó con renunciar a su cargo.

Pride of the north

Unloved, unwatched and responsible for the fixture squeeze that means top clubs can play a possible 80 games per year, it seems that Brazil’s elderly state championships may finally have had their day. Last week respected journalists Paulo Vinicius Coelho and Juca Kfouri both exhorted local football fans to enjoy the televised prime rib of Real Madrid versus Barcelona instead of the thin gruel currently on offer on the Brazilian domestic football menu.

“Enjoy El Clásico!” cried PVC in his Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper column. “You’re a citizen of the world! It’s Brazilian football that isn’t!”

It is easy to see what he meant. The average crowd in this year’s Campeonato Carioca stands at just over 2,000. A farcical 375 people turned up to see Brazil´s biggest club, Flamengo, who claim to have around 30 million fans across the country, play Bonsuccesso in the same competition a few weeks ago. And only 7,000 could be bothered to watch reigning Copa Libertadores champions Atletico Mineiro play local rivals America in the semifinal of the Campeonato Mineiro last weekend.

Even the players, it seems, have had enough. A few weeks ago the Bom Senso FC (“Common Sense FC”) player protest movement called for the formation of a new, 452 team Serie E, which would allow smaller clubs to play a longer season. At the moment the vast majority of Brazil’s smaller teams simply shut up shop after their respective state leagues finish, releasing the majority of their players.

The Bom Senso plan would include a drastic reduction in size of the state championships, which would adopt a cup-style format and be played on midweek dates throughout the year.

Unsurprisingly, the Brazilian football association, the CBF, immediately scotched the idea. Both the organisation’s president, Jose Maria Marin, and its vice-president, Marco Polo Del Nero, are sworn defenders of the state championships in their current form, in no small part due to the fact that their power base is built around the heads of Brazil’s state federations -- who in turn are unlikely to easily relinquish the power and privilege that their local leagues represent.

Yet as the popularity of the state championships dwindles, Marin and Del Nero and others like them are beginning to look a little behind the times.

Change may even be coming in the poorer north and north-east regions of Brazil, in states such as Bahia, Pernambuco and Para, where financially overmatched local clubs struggle to compete on a national level and the estaduais (state) have, at least until recently, continued to wield greater influence on the footballing consciousness than in the south and south-east.

The Copa do Nordeste (“North East Cup”) and the Copa Verde (“Green Cup”) regional tournaments, featuring the best teams from a number of states, have begun to undercut the popularity of the state championships, especially as both offer a place in the Copa Sul Americana to the winner. Last year’s Copa do Nordeste was the most-watched state or regional competition in Brazil, attracting around 9,000 people per game.

The success of these tournaments, and the lingering affection that much of the northern half of Brazil retains for its state championships, demonstrate the distinct regional differences in Brazilian football.

While the dark art of gozacao (“mickey-taking”) and intense local rivalries continue to carry weight across the country, the big clubs in the south and south-east have slowly begun to realise that, financially and otherwise, winning or even qualifying for the Libertadores is of considerably more long-term benefit than earning bragging rights over the neighbours.

Amidst the footballing poverty of the north and north-east, however, lifting South America’s biggest trophy is about as likely a possibility as Walsall winning the Champions League. While Salvador pair Bahia and Vitoria did reasonably well in last year’s Serie A -- particularly the latter, who almost sneaked a Libertadores place -- the prospects of most clubs outside the south and south-east remain largely based on local, not national or continental, success.

The main reason for this is financial. Recife-based journalist Cassio Zirpoli pointed out last year that local Serie A club Sport will earn around 7.2 million pounds in TV money this year, while Flamengo and Corinthians, the country’s biggest earners, will earn approximately 29.3 million pounds each. As of 2016, the big two will make 45.3 million pounds each, while Sport will earn 9.3 million pounds. It is an impressive gap.

And TV is indirectly responsible for that gap widening further. While the big clubs from Rio and Sao Paulo make regular primetime appearances on the monolithic Globo network, teams from the north and north-east, even if they are in Serie A, will only feature on nationwide terrestrial TV on the rare occasion that one of their games against such teams is chosen for broadcast. This means that such clubs can only ever hope to attract local, rather than national sponsorship and commercial deals, with a subsequent drastic reduction in income.

Ticket prices, too, are necessarily cheaper in the north and north-east, due to the economic difficulties of the regions, and until the construction of new World Cup stadiums in a number of north-eastern cities, grounds in the area were particularly dilapidated, even by the generally low standards of Brazilian football. A terrace collapse at the old Fonte Nova in Salvador killed seven people in 2007, and there were alarming crushes at the Frasqueirao stadium in Natal for the ABC versus Palmeiras game last year.

Despite these disadvantages, it would be a mistake to think that teams in the north-east are small or badly supported (the same sadly cannot be true of football in the north, where only the Belem clubs claim large numbers of fans). World Cup visitors to Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza and even Natal will be impressed by the fierce passion the locals have for their teams.

This is perhaps most visible in Pernambuco, traditionally one of Brazil’s most independent-minded states. Foreign fans should not be surprised if, during a lull in the action at World Cup games at the Arena Pernambuco, local zealots burst into the war cries of Sport or Santa Cruz, and the intense atmosphere at games at the same clubs’ stadiums (Ilha do Retiro (Sport) or Arruda (Santa)) can put many of their southern counterparts to shame.

The inelegant fall from grace of the state championships, should the outdated political stubbornness of the Brazilian football authorities ever be overcome, is undoubtedly a good thing. Only then, with a more streamlined calendar and a better-quality product, will the domestic game realise its true worth.

It is encouraging too that, in the shape of the Copa do Nordeste and the Copa Verde, clubs in the north and north-east are beginning to realise that an obsession with local disputes may not be the way forward. It is only to be hoped that progress, and perhaps even increased national competitiveness, will not mean the end of the unique footballing atmosphere in some of the less glamorous territories on the Brazilian footballing map.

Luciano and the state championship dilemma

Name: Luciano da Rocha Neves (Luciano)
Age: 20
Club: Corinthians
Position: Attacking midfield/forward
Nationality: Brazilian

Corinthians´ start to the 2014 season has been dire, to the point that the world champions of 2012 have exited the Sao Paulo state championship in the first round, despite a tournament redesign that was intended to prevent such scenarios. Coach Mano Menezes had arrived back at the Parque Sao Jorge a hero following his previous exploits with the club and was expected to rejuvenate a side that encountered major difficulties in 2013. However, over the course of just three months, he has already become one of the leading candidates in Brazil´s ever-volatile sack race.

Major city rivals Palmeiras, Santos and Sao Paulo have all sailed through to the second round of the competition, with only the latter having lost more than once. For the Corinthians faithful it has been hard to bear and even the fact that new signing Jadson has, so far, looked far better than Alexandre Pato ever did for the club has done little to ease their pain. But could it be that it is the former Shakhtar star´s 20-year-old attacking midfield colleague, Luciano, who is the tonic they need heading into the 2014 Campeonato Brasileiro?

It is now less than a month until Corinthians begin their Brasileirao campaign and, having taken a nosedive in the Paulista championship, it is to that competition that attention is already turning. In recent weeks, it would appear that they have an attacking combination that could make a sizeable impact in the creative Jadson, tireless Romarinho and their latest idol, Luciano, signed from Avai to little fanfare just a few weeks ago. Elsewhere, though, they still have much to consider in the next four weeks. However, time off gives them a significant advantage over many of their rivals.

So what is it about "Luciano Ronaldo," as he has already been nicknamed, that has seen the fans take to him quite so easily? The simple answer is goals -- and plenty of them. For all of Corinthians´ struggles, Luciano has found the back of the net on six occasions in his seven appearances for the club thus far, forming what appears to be a more than useful partnership with both Jadson and Romarinho around him.

For the Brazilian giants, goals have been an issue. Previously reliable Peru forward Paolo Guerrero has been less than prolific at the start of 2014, while the normally effervescent Emerson has both been rarely used and ineffective when handed an opportunity. Luciano´s dramatic arrival on the scene, combined with that of Jadson, was sorely needed. Even Romarinho´s hat trick last weekend was a dramatic return to form for a talent that has been off the boil for much of the past year.




https://www.youtube.com/…5UOsCoc0K1U



Luciano brings a variety of skills to the table. He is comfortable in a number of forward positions, playing off either foot and in different roles. For Corinthians, he has played both centrally, off striker Romarinho, or from the right where he can cut in towards the box and look to make an incisive contribution. In his brief career with the Paulista giants, he has shown glimpses of impressive ability -- whether it be in his dribbling or his clinical finishing in front of goal. There have, though, also been long periods of inactivity in games where he has gone missing. His opponents will soon improve dramatically in quality.

The state championships are a notoriously unreliable stage upon which to judge talent. While the Paulista championship is Brazil´s strongest by some distance, the quality gap between the top sides and the weakest is stark, yet Corinthians are far from the first giant to find themselves in trouble at an early stage across the country. The tournaments give players from smaller teams a platform to impress, while also propelling the likes of Luciano into the limelight at bigger sides. Last year, Flamengo´s Rafinha was claiming the headlines; for 2012, see Sao Paulo´s William Jose. While both are good players, neither were able to maintain their performance levels outside of the estaduais. They are an opportunity to impress, but are relatively meaningless if success is isolated.

Luciano is, thus far, saying the right things. He has played down his Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired nickname, emphasised Corinthians´ need to improve and even suggested investment in further attacking players ahead of the start of the league championship. But it will ultimately be on the pitch that his attitude and ability will be tested. The Brasileirao has its faults, but it is a real test of ability and the latest in a long line of state championship stars must now prove himself worthy of a place at a club of Corinthians´ prestige. He has taken a significant step in earning the trust of the fans, but has further tests to come. At 20 years old, he has time on his side, but fortunes of emerging players in Brazil turn as frequently as the tide on the country´s famous coastline.

It will be interesting to watch how he and the other emerging stars of the 2014 state championships progress over the rest of the year. Luciano has earned his opportunity with one of Brazil´s most historic and best supported sides, and has now put himself in pole position for a regular starting berth. Turning initial promise into an extended career in the Brasileirao or Europe, however, is an equally difficult step. With one challenge overcome, there is no time for resting on his laurels in the topsy-turvy world of Brazilian football. Bright starts receive heavy press attention, but they are also quickly forgotten as the sporting calendar races between competitions at a furious rate.

No real surprises in the domestic El Tri call-up

I’m not sure why, but roster selections feel like Christmas for me. A kind of Christmas when you don’t always get the presents you want, but you most definitely get presents anyway. I guess beggars can’t be choosers, unless you’re Miguel Herrera.

Herrera seems to have a general idea of the players he wants to utilize for the World Cup. Although there are a few new additions to the roster called up for the friendly against United States on April 2, it remains very similar to that of the one utilized against Nigeria without the European players.

At this point, Jesus Corona and Guillermo Ochoa have more than likely already guaranteed themselves a spot for Brazil as the top two goalkeepers. Moises Munoz and Alfredo Talavera, the two goalkeeper call-ups for next week´s match against United States, will have this upcoming crucial test to prove their worth as the final and third option between the posts for El Tri. I imagine each keeper will get 45 minutes but believe Herrera will still choose Munoz as his third option for Brazil.

In defense, Rafael Marquez, Paul Aguilar, Francisco Javier Rodriguez, Miguel Layun, Miguel Ponce, Juan Carlos Valenzuela and Enrique Perez have all received another consecutive call-up. Rogelio Chavez, from Cruz Azul, is the newest addition to the defense and will be looking to make a name for himself as a right wing-back. Due to Chavez’s sacrifice of skipping the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal match April 1, expect him to get some playing time. I’ll be looking forward to a strong performance from Chavez, especially considering the fact that after Aguilar and Layun, there are no other convincing options at right-back. Ponce will also probably be given time due to Toluca’s involvement with the Champions League as well.

Moving up to the midfield, Carlos Pena, Luis Montes, Juan Carlos Medina, and Isaac Brizuela continue their representation for El Tri. Marco Fabian and Jesus Zavala are no strangers to the national team, but return to the lineup after short absences. There is no doubting Fabian’s level of skill, but with the congestion of talent in the attacking midfield spots he will need to do something really spectacular to set himself apart. Zavala, who was once a mainstay for El Tri last year, will need to prove to Herrera that he could work well by himself as the defensive midfield option.

Up top, Raul Jimenez and Alan Pulido will both be given a full 90 minutes to showcase their talent. Both are currently seen as backups and will need to somehow make an argument for a trip to Brazil by doing well together, while also competing with another at the same time. Who knows, perhaps the partnership of Pulido and Jimenez could blossom into something extraordinary given enough time.

Jose Juan Vazquez was also called up but will be left behind after having some bizarre issues with his visa last month, and then losing his passport during a recent car accident.

As I mentioned, there are no real surprises. I would love to see Herrera use his “best” starting XI for the whole game, but I’m sure he will feel compelled to use the Toluca and Cruz Azul players because of their forgoing of the CONCACAF Champions League match that plays out the day before this friendly.

My only real worry is in the middle of the defense. I have been genuinely embarrassed to watch the dismal display of the Rodriguez, Marquez and Valenzuela unit in the past. Maybe giving Enrique Perez a try in the middle would be viable, but I feel that it would be riskier to try to tinker with the defense just two months away from the summer. Thank goodness for Hector Moreno and Diego Reyes once they return.

A new edition of El Tri set to face U.S. in friendly

While cynical fans may see next week´s friendly between the USA and Mexico as mostly a money-grab match for both countries, some practical gains are possible for El Tri aside from the monetary ones. More than any other CONCACAF opponent, the United States plays a style of soccer akin to what Mexico will face vs. a European opponent in the World Cup (for example, Mexico´s Group A foe, Croatia).

Under the guidance of U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, the American squad has added players like Julian Green of Bayern Munich, who is expected to make his debut versus Mexico. So the game should add some variety to the opponent style and a contrast to Nigeria that will be worthwhile for Mexico coach Miguel Herrera. He has yet another chance to observe options in the limited time he has to evaluate players before announcing his final roster for Brazil 2014.

All practical considerations aside, though, any soccer contest between the “eternal rivals” USA and Mexico is heated, passionate and definitely worth watching.

To a certain extent, it will be a bit of a test for Herrera, too, because he wasn’t so cool the last time the pressure was on during Club America’s 2013 Apertura final versus Leon. He lost his temper, lashed out at the referees, and was ejected from the game. His professionalism will be on trial in a rivalry atmosphere where one call or play can turn the game. Of course, nothing is really at stake between the teams but bragging rights, but considering how Mexico has always depended on heart and confidence, the right to brag matters.

Also, for one player in particular, this match and the practices leading up to it will stand as what may be the final audition opportunity for the World Cup roster. Cruz Azul´s Marco Fabian hasn’t been Herrera’s first-choice option for some time. Despite Fabian´s scintillating club form, Herrera held off on calling the attacking midfielder into previous games. Finally, though, his results in Liga MX could not be ignored.

Fabian has scored more goals in Liga MX this season than any other Mexican player. With six goals, he doubles the output of striker Raul Jimenez, just to give an example of a player Herrera has preferred over Fabian before. Fabian’s total is also double that of a pair of Chivas strikers who were left off the Mexico roster -- Omar Bravo and Aldo de Nigris.

Despite the logic of the decision, it’s still a bit surprising and indicative of how badly Guadalajara has fallen off that not a single player on their roster was called in for a Liga MX-based national team game.

Of course, for certain players, it’s likely that Herrera has already decided where they stand, so he doesn’t need more evaluation of them. Oribe Peralta and Jesus Corona, both left off the current roster, probably fall into this category. Instead, their spots are filled for this friendly by possibilities who will move either up or down in Herrera’s esteem.

Besides Fabian, other players who are answering Herrera’s “last call” of sorts are Rogelio Chavez and Jesus Zavala. Neither the right back nor the midfielder has played for Herrera in previous games, so the coach is casting his eye in a new direction by looking their way.

However, there will also be a reassessment of familiar faces. Miguel Layun, who missed the last friendly because of an injury, needs to prove that he can pick up where he left off. Paul Aguilar must also impress, since he seemed to flounder a bit without Layun.

No one expected Alan Pulido to replicate a debut that saw him score a hat trick, but there’s still the necessity of a striker to score goals. Between Pulido, Fabian and Jimenez, there may be only one who emerges to make the final El Tri list for Herrera. All three have different valuable qualities, but ultimately, whoever gets the job done will be the one who stands out.

Except for Zavala, not a single player on the current Mexico roster was part of the losing effort versus the USA in September 2013. Herrera was not yet the team’s coach. That was Luis Fernando Tena. He would give way to Victor Manuel Vucetich before Herrera was put in charge. Tena, of course, is now coaching the top team in Liga MX, Cruz Azul. His club players, Fabian and Chavez, may have a bit of extra motivation to perform well.

Since Herrera came on board, the Mexico squad has displayed a cohesion and verve that was lacking in earlier incarnations of 2013. His trust in Liga MX players has been unprecedented. This has probably allowed the young talent of players like Pulido, Isaac Brizuela and Miguel Ponce to emerge. Their coach has given them freedom and opportunity on the field of play.

Yet this is the first time that the new-edition El Tri squad faces off against an opponent from the earlier frustrating 2013 era. Easy wins over squads like New Zealand can be deceptive. The comparison against the USA on Wednesday (ESPN, 11:15 p.m. ET) could be the true indicator of how far Mexico has come under Herrera.

Roster: Alfredo Talavera, Moisés Muñoz, Paúl Aguilar, Miguel Layún, Miguel Ángel Ponce, Francisco Javier Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Valenzuela, Rogelio Alfredo Chávez, Enrique Pérez, Rafael Márquez, Jesús Eduardo Zavala, Juan Carlos Medina, Marco Fabián, Carlos Alberto Peña, Luis Arturo Montes, Isaac Brizuela, Alán Pulido, Raúl Jiménez

Passion, not reason, guides Club América

Patience has never been América’s most particular feature. On the other hand, a powerful sense of pride is what sets the road map for their decisions.

To put it bluntly: América are a team guided by passion, not reason.

The uneven progress of the season, the often lackluster play, the absence of perhaps not showmanship, but of joy and commitment, and the ever-present ghost of Miguel Herrera have all brought on a kind of despair. América are not considering any changes in their coaching staff until the end of the Torneo Clausura, but what happens during this part of the tournament could set the stage for future decisions.

And, Sunday in, Sunday out, América will face tests of passion: two clásicos drenched in history against Chivas and then Cruz Azul that could establish a “before” and an “after” for manager Antonio Mohamed. The continuation of this era depends on winning or losing. Even at the top, Club América are guided by passion, not reason.

Mohamed knows this very well. You can see it in his face, in the way he speaks, and in the manner he assumes responsibility for what the team will face. And it´s not that “El Turco” is desperate, but he is concerned. Because the team has entered its tightest phase in this stage of the season.

The rivalries with Chivas and Cruz Azul could also serve to gauge the true size of this América team in a short tournament. What is at stake is also the passion for the game, not just the score on the board.

América know that this is not its greatest moment, that some of its most emblematic players have not played up to par, that the group has yet to adapt to the manager´s style, but it also knows that convincing wins in the clásicos are a means of salvation.

Mohamed is playing for his future next week, because América are a club guided by passion, not reason.

A ´Clásico´ is always a ´Clásico´

First, there were romantic touches, followed by some drama, later some comedy, and today, it has shades of terror. The Clásico has been a movie. It has always mixed those feelings, emotions and dramas. Of protagonists, of heroes, villains. Of tears, suffering and happiness. The Clásico has always been about stronger matters than simply what happens on the soccer pitch. This Sunday will be no different.

Neither Chivas nor América are in good shape. One team gets to The Clásico without the assurance that its worst soccer crisis ever is in the past. The other certainly is confused because of the changes that a new manager introduced and a new form of understanding life itself on and off the pitch. Chivas and América cannot promise us a good soccer duel Sunday. But their colors bring more than enough adrenaline, courage and pride to substitute what they lack.

Even with the absence of good games or good results, Chivas and América would still have their differences.

Guadalajara are better organized. They defend properly even though they do not craft and finish the moves with the volume and intensity that is required. They know what they lack and what they need to function properly. In short, Chivas lack game intensity, ideas, depth and determination in the last yards of the soccer field.

But the question is: What has happened to América and what do they need? Is it related to the game system imposed by Mohamed? Is it just a drop in individual performances? For some of the season, América tried and generated good soccer. It looked as though they only needed some conviction in front of the goal. But they started to lose their way in setting up the attacks and finishing. Finally, the center forwards had no space and opportunities to win the match. What happened to América? It is hard to tell. It has a good coach and the same players as before, but it is not working at all.

The Clásico comes at a low ebb for both teams. The difference is or could be that Chivas, even though they do not have a way to fix it, know what is lacking and know what needs to be done. América are lost in confusion where everybody has a theory, but nobody has a solution.

Either way, it is the Clásico. When the neurons are not enough on the field, the muscles are all that count and the strongest human muscle is … the heart. The Clásicos are won with the heart.

Playoff positions at stake in Chivas vs America

As I’ve mentioned before in past posts, soccer games can at times be overhyped and glorified to ridiculous levels. Just watch any commercial for an upcoming match and you’ll get the idea. Overdubbed cannon sounds over free kicks with the perfect cut to a passionate fan at a sold-out game...for Puebla vs Queretaro.

The Sunday match between Chivas and America is no different when it comes to the promotion. It is, of course, El Super Clásico. You’ll find detailed analysis everywhere you look and more than likely an unfortunate focus on supporters groups from Guadalajara. However, the hype and buildup to the match is all justified. Both squads have plenty to prove this late in the season and both would love to indulge in some huge momentum that can be gained from the match.

America have slid down the standings faster than my college grades after the discovery of serious procrastination. Las Aguilas still sit in a playoff spot at seventh but are far from their winning ways of the recent past. Antonio Mohamed can’t seem to motivate the squad and the injury to Miguel Layun last month hasn’t exactly helped with morale. America have had just one win in their last seven matches and are in danger of possibly being out of a playoff spot if they lose to Chivas this Sunday. Layun is apparently healthy enough to return this weekend and will hopefully provide a nice boost to not only the defense, but attack as well.

Looking at their tenuous playoff spot, America’s last five matches of the Clasura will be crucial. After playing against Chivas, they will have two away matches against Puebla and Toluca, and two home matches against Cruz Azul and Queretaro. Considering their current form at home and the daunting task of playing against the first and second place teams in the league, America will be yearning for some much-need confidence after this weekend. A win against Chivas would be the perfect solution to their current woes and those of Mohamed as well.

Chivas on the other hand, have gradually made progress since last year but are still looking to reach the character it once had. They have recently done well with their organization in the back but are still in need of scoring. Seriously, they have only scored two goals once this season in a 2-1 win over Queretaro last month. Like the significant return of Layun for America, Omar Bravo will also return for Chivas and their worrisome attack. Bravo is the current top-scorer for Chivas with a meager three goals but will look to add to his tally against America.

Chivas’ last four games won’t be as difficult as America’s, but they still have to take on Pachuca and Pumas before the end of the season.

I’m probably going to be entirely wrong in the end, but Chivas’ lack of scoring intertwined with America’s lack of cohesion will lead to an entertaining but low-scoring match. There is no doubt that there will be a palpable amount of excitement from the fans and serious intensity from the squads, but I can only see a back and forth with a few lucky goals. Feel free to give me plenty of criticism if it ends 4-3.

Chivas players with a national team point to prove vs. America

If Chivas ever needed a win in a Clasico Nacional against America to divert a little attention from negative issues, it is this Sunday.

This week, all the attention on the club has been focused on the fallout following the violence of Chivas fans toward police inside the Estadio Jalisco in the derby against Atlas last Saturday. On top of that, no Chivas players were named to Miguel Herrera´s 18-player domestic-based national team squad for next week´s game against the United States.

It was a blow to the club´s self-esteem, especially when Sunday´s rivals America boast seven national team players.

It doesn´t look good for the country´s all-Mexico team, but perhaps the Clasico Nacional has come at the right time.

What better than a comprehensive victory to show a wounded Las Aguilas team that at least a few of its players are lucky that they have their former club coach as national team manager?

Surely that thought has passed through the minds of Jorge "Chaton" Enriquez -- who will battle in midfield against El Tri starter Juan Carlos Medina -- and Aldo de Nigris -- who seems to have lost his national team place to Raul Jimenez.

America certainly doesn´t come into the game in any form, having won just one of their past seven games, and Coach Antonio Mohamed is on the defensive, with some reports coming out that his position is under threat.

America appear to be there for the taking and Chivas defender Jair Pereira went on the offensive on Thursday, attacking America´s creative force Rubens Sambueza as someone who "likes the camera," and a "cry-baby" for going down so easily.

Of course, defeating Mexico´s dominant team of 2013 is easier said than done.

Chivas´ performances themselves have ranged from woeful (Tijuana, Cruz Azul) to systematic (Leon, Puebla) at best, with Jose Luis Real´s team never really convincing.

It certainly hasn´t set any pulses racing, and that is what Mexico´s Clasico Nacional is expected to do, with the eyes of the nation on the Estadio Omnilife on Sunday.

A victory would be the injection of impetus Chivas´ season has so far lacked and would have the added bonus of seeing the El Rebano Sagrado move above America in the league table for the first time in what feels like a very long while.

Keys to the game

Jair Pereira vs. Raul Jimenez

Former Cruz Azul player Pereira has been key to Chivas´ defensive improvement this season -- and therefore the team´s overall improvement -- and will be responsible for marking the opposition´s main goal-scoring threat Raul Jimenez. The young America striker has been the decisive figure in the last two clasicos against Chivas, with three goals.

Possession

Chivas need to keep possession better. In four of the team´s past five Liga MX games, they´ve had a minority of the ball and a team like America will punish the Rojiblancos. Key to improving both possession and improved usage of the ball are Enriquez and Giovani Hernandez, who are charged with linking the midfield to the attack.

Supporting de Nigris

Along a similar theme, lone striker de Nigris required improved support, both from the wings and those central midfield positions. Guadalajara this season have never threatened to swarm teams and apply consistent pressure. Sunday would be a good time to start.

Taking the game to America from the first whistle

Chivas haven´t scored a goal against America since the likes of Rosinei and Daniel Montenegro were still playing for Las Aguilas, over 200 minutes of football between the two teams ago.

A bright start, taking the game to an America possibly lacking that same self-belief would both make a statement of intent and possibly reap rewards. It´d certainly get the capacity crowd in the Estadio Omnilife behind Chivas.

Predicted team (4-3-3): Antonio Rodriguez; Omar Esparza, Pereira, Patricio Araujo, Gerardo Rodriguez; Israel Castro, Enriquez, Hernandez; Edgar Solis, Carlos Fierro, De Nigris.

Fedt, Npato. Den gode Sambafodbold har skam allerede gengældt interessen.

Med fare for at blive beskyldt for god reklame omhandler et af mine senestes tweets i øvrigt to #Grêmistas - du kan nok gætte hvem.

Er lidt grøn derinde, så det er lækkert med hjælpen, drenge.

Og lad os så komme i gang med aftenens kampe - hopper på fra det rigtige Arsenal kl godt 21.