Xolos host Queretaro in week 14 push for the playoffs: Tijuana Xolos 2023 Clausura Preview
Credit: El Diario
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Queretaro F.C.
Where Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
When: Friday, April 7, 2023
Time: 8:10 p.m. PST
TV: ESPN Deportes
The Xoloitcuintles return to Estadio Caliente for the first time in three weeks to face Queretaro F.C. on Friday, April 6, for their 14th match in the Liga MX 2023 Clausura season.
Club Tijuana and Queretaro both currently find themselves just outside of the 12-team playoff picture in 16th and 15th place, respectively. A win for either side has important postseason implications and could propel them up the standings into the bubble of contention to be tied with other teams on the edge.
Queretaro has not won away from home this season, though will prove to be a difficult obstacle as they have not lost in their past three matches.
While the Xolos did not look good at all in a 0-4 away loss against top seeded Monterrey, only managing five total shots all game, four of which were in the second half when the team was already down by three goals.
Players to watch
Alexis Canelo
Canelo played well in the hard-fought week 12 draw to come back from a three-goal deficit against Toluca. The winger can provide an important boost to the attack if he’s playing at his best.
Christian Rivera
Rivera previously played for the Xolos in 2020 and played well in a defensive midfield role last week in a victory over Pumas UNAM. A threat in the midfield could prove many problems for the Xolos’ offense.
Prediction:
Manager Miguel Herrera likely expected a much better return to the border city club, but his second tenure has not fared well as of yet. The team has only won once during the Clausura campaign with Herrera at the helm. Any chance of making the playoffs needs to begin with a strong offensive showing at home. EVT predicts a 2-1 victory for the Xolos. The club has not lost at home all season, and neither side can be complacent with a draw.
Abraham Zepeda is a bilingual Chula Vista Native covering the Tijuana Xolos for EVT. He spent the summer of 2022 covering San Diego Loyal SC and San Diego Wave FC. He is also currently a student at the University of Oregon pursuing a degree in journalism.