Don’t let the odds fool you, there isn’t much in between these two sides.
While it’s true that Chivas do have a slight advantage over Pumas in the league table — and they’ll also be hosting this game — the Guadalajara club have been far from reliable throughout most of 2021. Defensively poor and fairly average in the attack, Chivas have drifted through a number of unexciting games in the current Clausura tournament.
And while some may be tempted to look towards Pumas for an upset, they haven’t exactly been at their best either.
One of the marquee matches of the Liga MX weekend could also prove to be the most unimaginative.
Pick:
The draw for Chivas vs Pumas.
How to Watch Chivas vs Pumas
| Chivas vs Pumas Information |
| What |
Chivas vs Pumas |
| Where |
Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico) |
| When |
Sunday, February 28th at 10:00 PM ET |
| How to Watch |
Telemundo |
Perhaps I’m being unfair to Chivas.
Despite the fact that they only have one win so far this season, they’re also undefeated in their last three. They haven’t lost since last month, and in February, there does seem to be a small yet noticeable improvement in their goalscoring. The ship is no longer sinking for manager Victor Manuel Vucetich, but can he now point it towards a playoff-worthy route?
The jury is out on that decision. As mentioned earlier, there isn’t any discernible sign of consistency for Chivas so far in 2021. Match after match, Vucetich has run into mini crises as he’s failed to find the right combination of tactics or substitutions that could either chase game-winners or hold onto leads.
Chivas are vulnerable, but the good news for them is that Pumas likely won’t be able to capitalize on the chances that will be given to them.
Pumas’ Attacking Numbers Have Been Appalling
There are no optimistic perspectives that one could take about Pumas’ three goals in seven games. No team in Liga MX this season has scored fewer goals, and if we’re looking at xG (expected goals), Pumas haven’t exceeded a modest rating of 1.0 in their last six games.
The only real hope for them is if striker Juan Dinenno is back to full fitness, but he himself might not be at his best after only emerging as a 2nd half substitute in the recent 1-0 loss to Leon.
By the way, for those keeping track of Pumas’ current goalless streak, that number is now currently sitting at a worrisome tally of five games in a row without somebody finding the back of the net.
The Search For Chivas’ Identity Continues
But let’s get back to Chivas’ problems.
Surely, with some of the talented figures that they have in their frontline, Chivas should be able to at least score a couple against Pumas, right?
That’s difficult to say. The issue here is the lack of a true identity that could help chance creation game in and game out. Whether it be due to a mismatch in the starting XI or a lack of proper preparation from Vucetich, there seems to be no distinguishable strategy in most of their games.
Reliant on individual moments, Chivas might even be lucky to have the less-than-exciting four draws that they have collected.
Even If Chivas Step Up Their Chances, Pumas’ Alfredo Talavera Should Keep This Level
Let’s say Chivas, as the favorites, follow through with their expectations. At home in front of what is reportedly going to be a limited number of fans, Los Rojiblancos might push forward and create an adequate amount of opportunities in the final third.
If they manage to do that, they are no guarantees that they’ll be able to sneak anything past Pumas goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera. With three clean sheets and only five goals allowed in seven games, Talavera is one of the few highlights that Pumas have had this season.
Keeping in mind that he was one of the top players from the 2020 Clausura tournament, the veteran could once again put on a show this Liga MX weekend in a high-profile match.
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