The Clasico Nacional between Chivas and Club America takes center stage in the Liga MX 2017 Clausura on Saturday. What about this particular edition of Mexico's biggest rivalry -- which will be broadcast through Facebook Live -- should you be following? Our experts Tom Marshall, Nayib Moran, Cesar Hernandez and Eric Gomez lay it all out below!
Chivas to thrive or wilt as favorites? Club America may arrive at Saturday's game in less than tip-top condition and with pressure on coach Ricardo La Volpe, but the Mexico City club has reached 10 consecutive Liguillas -- a Liga MX record. In many ways, the last few years have been a mini-golden period for Las Aguilas, while Chivas have just come through a relegation battle.
Even with Chivas' improvement last year, the Guadalajara side only managed to defeat America once (over 90 minutes) in six matches during 2016. And in the last 13 games between Mexico's great rivals, Chivas have won just twice, going down 17-10 in goals scored during that period. It is often said that form goes out of the window in clasicos, but that hasn't been true in the Super Clasico; America has been the more stable institution fighting for titles and that has been reflected in results between the two sides.
But for Saturday's clash, the tables have turned. Chivas are coming off the back of a fine performance against local rival Atlas. They are playing at home and have instilled a positive style under coach Matias Almeyda, while America is a little bit of a mess with so many question marks hanging over it.
Can Chivas handle the pressure that comes with being favorites in a Clasico Nacional, arguably for the first time in years, or will they wilt under the expectation? -- Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup)
William to be America's surprise factor There's no doubt that La Volpe is living his toughest hours at America. The demanding Aguila fan base has openly expressed its discontent with the coach by shouting "Fuera La Volpe" (La Volpe get out) after the last two home games. As the pressure rises, it would be ideal for America to retain the sparks that gave it success during last campaign's Liguilla. With this in mind, William da Silva must bring his A game against Chivas.
In the 2016 Apertura playoffs, William scored three goals, the common theme in two of them being that he was able to find open space behind the defensive midfielders. His speed and finishing were on point, and his understanding with winger Renato Ibarra drove Chivas' defense crazy in their quarterfinal clash.
What's worrying, though, is that William has yet to show those brilliant sparks in the 2017 Clausura. One of the reasons for America's poor start has been his erratic distribution and poor decision-making. At times, he looks overwhelmed as he takes the ball to the final third. William, as is the case with the rest of the squad, lacks conviction and intensity, but Guadalajara presents an excellent opportunity to fix what has been a weak start to the campaign. -- Nayib Moran (@nayibmoran)
La Volpe to postpone imminent firing The one man who has the most to gain from the Clasico Nacional is La Volpe.
After failing to win the 2016 Apertura title and coming out to a poor start in the Clausura, all signs point to an end to the manager's America tenure in the near future. However, if he is able to walk away with a convincing win over Chivas in the biggest game of the season, there is a small chance that he can postpone an imminent firing.
Saturday is La Volpe's last stand, his last chance to prove he can lead the most successful club in Mexico. However, as seen in the aftermath of last week's 0-0 draw with Puebla, many America supporters have already given up on him.
In just a few days, we will find out if his employers are just as impatient.
Anything is possible in these rivalry matches, but the odds are most definitely against La Volpe. Chivas have more wins, points and will be playing at home. It's also important to keep in mind that the Guadalajara giants were spectacular during last week's Clasico Tapatio win against Atlas.
Can La Volpe stop Chivas' newfound momentum? Does he have what it takes to save his job? Is there one more trick up his sleeve? -- Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol)
Traditional roles reversed, Chivas the big-money club If this particular edition of the Clasico Nacional seems bizarre to you, it's probably because for the first time, the traditional roles for each team have been reversed.
Chivas is the big-money club in all respects, actually charging fans to watch the game via its streaming service in Mexico and presenting all the traditional signs of a wealthy organization. The team eschewed traditional jersey ads on the front of their shirts, spent millions of dollars on difference makers like Alan Pulido and Rodolfo Pizarro and made it clear that it would have pried away Tigres' Javier Aquino if the Monterrey squad had agreed to let him go.
Meanwhile, in Mexico City, tightened purse strings ensured that America president Ricardo Pelaez could only splurge on some of his targets, bitterly watching as playmaker Sebastian Blanco went to the Portland Timbers in MLS as a result. After a soft 0-0 draw last weekend at Estadio Azteca, Las Aguilas limped to their worst start in five years, prompting fans and media to speculate over La Volpe's job security.
The response? Pelaez won't fire him because the team can't pay his release clause and then sign a new manager. The result? For the first time in decades, the game's narrative will present Chivas as the rich and America as the poor. -- Eric Gomez (@EricGomez86)