Necaxa vs Guadalajara Match Preview
An all 'rojiblanco' duel will take place at the Estadio Victoria, as the home team clings to life in the Mexican Primera División while the visitors attempt to solidify their playoff chances. The Sergio Bueno-led Rayos got off on a hot streak as soon as he took the reins over for Daniel Brailovsky earlier in the season, but have now fallen into a lull. With five weeks remaining after the end of matchday 12, Necaxa would be all but dead in the survival race if they were to lose Friday night.
Meanwhile, Chivas look to dive in to the playoff race, as they remain on the outside looking in, with a ninth place table standing despite an admirable resurgence. Key to that Chiva revival has been young striker Erick Torres, who has Guadalajara fans talking about a "Chicharito" redux after the 18-year-old has scored five times over the course of the season.
Necaxa will be without Everaldo Barbosa, who will miss the match due to suspension, forcing Bueno to improvise in the middle of the field. Barbosa is key to the home team as he is a central midfielder who not only breaks up play, but moves to the front end of the pitch to create offense for his fellow attackers. Chivas report a full squad for the match at hand.
A Querétaro win on Saturday will maintain or even increase the gap between Necaxa and the Gallos Blancos, meaning the fixture is vital for Necaxa.