Chivas possible starting lineup against America for the Liga MX Clásico Nacional

Chivas’ charge towards the top of the Liga MX Clausura 2023 table was halted last weekend by a 1-0 defeat way to Puebla, which brought to an end a seven-match unbeaten streak, the last four games of which were all victories. The loss, coupled with Monterrey’s win over Puebla, means they are seven points behind leaders Rayados, who have dropped only five points all season. And it also allowed Clásico Nacional rivals Club América to cut the gap to just a point in the race for the top four places.

Guadalajara currently occupy fourth spot and know that bouncing back with a victory against Las Águilas would not only be a triumph over their greatest foes but would also allow them to take a significant step towards sealing a place in the quarter-finals of the final phase of the Clausura 2023 with just five matches left to play.

Key attackers closing in on Chivas return

Chivas boss Veljko Paunovic takes charge of the team in his first Clásico Nacional on Saturday and has been boosted by the returns to fitness of a couple of key attacking players. Right-winger Isaac Brizuela hasn’t played since a 0-0 draw against Atlético San Luis on 14 January because of a leg injury, but he has returned to training and could be involved against Ame.

And current Mexican international wide man Alexis Vega, who last appearances was also in that clash with San Luis, is in the exact same position having overcome a meniscal injury. Paunovic confirmed that both players were in his thoughts for the game, although it remains to be seen whether the prospect of either starting after more than two months on the sidelines is a realistic proposition.

Who starts in attack for Chivas?

The doubts surrounding Paunovic’s starting eleven, therefore, are in the attacking positions in his favoured 4-3-3 system. There have been strong rumours during the week that Daniel Ríos will come into the side as the central striker, replacing Carlos Cisneros, who is likely to drop to the bench. On the flanks, do Brizuela and Vega get thrown back in at the deep end or do Roberto Alvarado and Ronaldo Cisneros keep their places?

Chivas possible starting lineup against Club América

Miguel Jiménez; Alan Mozo, Gilberto Tiba Sepúlveda, Jesús Orozco, Cristian Calderón; Fernando González, Víctor Guzmán, Fernando Beltrán; Roberto Alvarado, Daniel Ríos, Ronaldo Cisneros.

When does the Clásico Nacional between Chivas and Club América kick off?

The Liga MX Clausura 2023 matchday 13 clash at Estadio Akron kicks off on Saturday 18 March at 11:10 p.m. ET.