Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2019 CL Week 16 Preview: Xolos Visit Morelia For Must-Win Game
Game: Monarcas Morelia vs Tijuana Xolos
When: Friday, April 26, 2019
Where: Estadio Morelos, Morelia, Mexico
Time: 7:00 P.M. PST
TV: Univision Deportes
It is now do or die time for the Tijuana Xolos with only two games remaining in the Liga MX regular season. The Xoloitzcuintles are currently in ninth place with 22 points and Liga MX teams typically need 26 points to qualify for the playoffs.
Club Tijuana can afford to draw this game, but will be basically mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. The Aztec Canines are coming off a very disappointing 2-1 loss to Lobos BUAP at the Estadio Caliente and have lost their last two league games.
Finishing has been a major issue for the Border City Dogs as the Xolos had several clear opportunities against Lobos BUAP, but could not capitalize on them. The Xoloitzcuintles have a very good attack with players like Gustavo Bou, Fabian Castillo and Miller Bolanos and will need to improve on their finishing in this match.
Monarcas Morelia has been one of the worst teams in the Liga MX 2019 Clausura season, but has been improving in recent weeks. The team from Michoacan is coming off an impressive 3-3 draw against Tigres UANL away from home and is on a three-game undefeated streak.
La Monarquia does have a limited squad and is already eliminated from playoff contention, currently in 16th place with 12 points. However, there are still some talented players on Morelia like Miguel Angel Sansores, Edison Flores and Gabriel Achilier.
One of the weakest points on Morelia’s team is the fullbacks as Efrain Velarde and Mario Osuna can be very inconsistent. The Xolos attackers, especially Fabian Castillo and Miller Bolanos will need to take advantage of this in this encounter.
Players to Watch
Miguel Angel Sansores
The Mexican striker scored two goals past Tigres UANL last week after a very slow season. Sansores has proven he can be a good goalscorer in the past and even scored two goals past Club Tijuana last season.
Miller Bolanos
Bolanos had a very good game against Lobos BUAP and this is a game where he can shine, especially considering Morelia’s inconsistent backline. The Ecuadorian forward is a very technically gifted player and will need to have a good game for Xolos to get a good result on the road.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 2-1 win for the Tijuana Xolos as the Aztec Canines have a much better team than Morelia. The Xolos have struggled on the road this season with three consecutive losses away from home, but the difference in the quality between both teams is just too significant.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.