Tijuana Xolos Liga MX CL 2019 Week 15 Preview: Xolos Host Lobos BUAP For Vital Playoff Race Game
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs Lobos BUAP
When: Friday, April 19, 2019
Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
Time: 7:06 P.M. PST
TV: Fox Sports 2, Fox Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos will host Lobos BUAP at the Estadio Caliente this Friday, April 19, as only three games remain in the Liga MX Clausura 2019 regular season. The Xoloitzcuintles are currently clinging onto a playoff position, in eighth place with 22 points and need to win this game to stay in the playoff race.
Out of the three games that Club Tijuana has in the regular season, this fixture against Lobos BUAP is arguably the most winnable one. The Aztec Canines are coming off a rough 1-0 loss against Pumas UNAM away from home and will be looking to bounce back in this match.
The Xolos have played much better at home than on the road this season with a record of five wins and a loss at the Estadio Caliente. This includes very impressive wins against Monterrey and Club America, who are both top title-contenders this season.
Oscar Pareja’s team has gelled quite nicely as the season has progressed, especially the attack, which is looking to bounce back after a poor performance against Pumas. Pareja still has to worry about the youth minutes rule and will likely opt to give minutes to youngsters like Carlos Higuera, Jesus Angulo and Luis Martinez in this match.
Lobos BUAP has overachieved expectations this season, currently sitting in 11th place with 17 points. The team from Puebla has evaded relegation and is still in the playoff race, but has struggled in recent weeks.
Los Licantropos are coming off a horrendous 3-0 loss to Tigres UANL at home and have scored just one goal in their last three league games. Lobos BUAP has an intriguing attack with players like Leonardo Ramos and Michaell Chirinos, but can be inconsistent and also struggle defensively. La Manada has a very weak fan base and there are currently rumors that speculate a relocation to Irapuato, Guanajuato for the Puebla-based side.
Players to Watch
Fabian Castillo
The Colombian winger struggled to finish opportunities against Pumas UNAM last week and will be seeking redemption in this match. Castillo is a very talented player with an abundance of pace that can trouble a team with weak fullbacks like Lobos BUAP.
Leonardo Ramos
Ramos has scored five goals this season and has scored 13 goals in 20-career Liga MX games. The Argentine striker is a natural goalscorer and is a threat to any Liga MX backline with his positioning, physicality and shot.
Prediction
Club Tijuana needs to bounce back after a disappointing result last week and needs to win this game to stay in the playoff race. EVT predicts a comfortable 3-1 win for Club Tijuana. The Xoloitzcuintles will have the massive home-field advantage and also have the much more well-balanced squad.
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.