After the first leg of the Apertura 2014 Finals between Tigres and America, both coaches should adjust their teams after this Thursday's 1-0 result. With Las Aguilas needing to score two goals, several possible scenarios spring out, and both managers should take some issues into consideration.
1. The absence of Paul Aguilar
America's right back was excluded from the squad due to a disciplinary issue. On Thursday, veteran Damian Alvarez had a field day dribbling newcomer Ventura Alvarado, which could lead Mohamed to change his tactics to stop the Argentinian wingman. One option for Las Aguilas could be replacing Alvarado with captain Miguel Layun, who can play in either side of the backfield. Layun's speed and experience could help America on their right side, and should provide a needed boost when they get the ball over to that part of the field.
2. America's diminished midfield.
Thursday's game proved to be hard on America's midfield. With Paraguayan Oswaldo Martinez and Jesus Molina having their hands full with Egidio Arevalo and U.S. international José Francisco Torres, their playmaking capabilites were reduced to a spark of brilliance by Luis Mendoza or Rubens Sambueza, who hasn't been playing due to injury. If Tigres can establish their dominance in the middle section, then they could be earning their fourth title easier than anyone thinks.
3. Nahuel Guzman's shaky defending.
Yes, Tigres' Argentinian goalkeeper practically had no trouble on Thursday with America's strikers, but his recklessness nearly cost Ferreti's crew in the semifinal match against Toluca and yesterday against Las Aguilas. America failed to pile up the pressure on the shot-stopper, and if they can manage to do so on Sunday, Guzman could easily make a mistake that goes straight to the scoreboard. He has done it before, and he could do it again.
4. Tigres' cintillating attack.
Damian Alvarez and the man from Ecuador Joffre Guerron proved they can expose America's defense with their speed and ball control. With Las Aguilas needing two goals, Tigres' counter attack capabilities will have a major role on Sunday, and with Ricardo Ferreti most likely presenting a defensive formation, whatever the South American players can do to keep America's defenders guessing could mean the title-winning goal for them.
5. Set pieces.
America has made it clear throughout the tournament one of their key weapons is scoring with their set pieces tactics. Mohamed's men were the most scoring team through set pieces in Mexico's top-fight, and one of those tactic gems by the Argentinian coach could even the score for them. Based on those kind of plays, America won seven games this season, including the second leg of their quarterfinal series against Pumas and also the first leg of the semis against Monterrey. If Tigres wish to re-write the story, then they will have to defend set pieces perfectly.
