Jornada 9 - Preview, Predictions and Betting Picks
Jornada 9 is filled with exciting matches and could act as an important determent for the playoff picture. We have Hirving Lozano and Pachuca traveling to Estadio Caliente to take on the first place Xolos of Tijuana. Also, we have two teams who stumbled last week from improbable, nearly impossible to predict defeats. Chivas and Toluca will be both hoping to escape with 3 points, and further solidify their spot in the Liguilla.
On the other side of the table we have a game with huge relegation implications. Both Monacaras Morelia and recently sanctioned Veracruz will need to be their top game if they want to stay in the Premier Division.
As mentioned earlier, we see wild upsets of top teams from Chiapas and Puebla, thus reminding us that Liga MX is one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world – which further fuels the excitement.
Betting Tips
Free Pick-em: Tijuana
This will be one of the best games of Jornada 9, and will only be escalated by the great atmosphere created by the fans at Estadio Caliente. This game is basically a toss-up, with Xolos being an explosive attacking team against the best defensive team in Pachuca. Both teams also arguably have the best two players in the league in Aviles Hurtado and Hirving Lozano. When the teams are this close in skill, you need to look at home field advantage, and more importantly, coaching. The Xolos have Miguel Herrera on their side and it’s hard to imagine he won’t have his team prepared for this match. Therefore, I’m going against the cliché of “defense wins championships”, and siding with Xolos.
Estadio Caliente
Free Spread Pick: Club America (Pick +120)
Has this season been a disappointed so far for Las Agulias? Maybe. Although, they are coming off of a Clasico win against Cruz Azul where Oribe Peralta ended his scoring drought by netting in two goals (video of goals below). Leon has been struggling as of late, which is strange because they had such a magical season last year with their semi-final appearance. Both these teams have managers on the hot seat, and are both desperate for 3 points as we inch closer to Laguilla. Club America is not in top form, but things do seem to be clicking a little bit better than Leon. I’m not picking America for their offense; I’m picking them because their goalkeeper Marchesin has looked strong in recent weeks, which could propel them to a victory.
????️ El gol de nuestro capitán @OribePeralta #VamosAmérica???????? pic.twitter.com/ogbhzLq6nq
— Club América (@ClubAmerica) February 26, 2017
????El segundo tanto de la noche de nuestro capitán @OribePeralta???? #VamosAmérica???????? pic.twitter.com/8jl6OMzqaY
— Club América (@ClubAmerica) February 26, 2017
Risky Upset Pick: Puebla (Pick +120)
I was very, very tempted to select Chiapas for my upset pick. How could I not? They netted 3 goals in 4 minutes against top team Chivas, and have stolen victories from Tigres, Toluca and Club America. But, instead of going with my heart I went with my brain - Puebla. Puebla is not a great team, but they are coming off of a great win and playing against an out of form, injury riddled Tigres team. If Puebla can shut down Gignac (which is no easy task), like they shut down Toluca’s attack last weekend, then this game can get very interesting.
