Two of Liga MX's most famous teams, Pumas and Club America, play their first rivalry match in 2018 and both are off to strong starts.
Pumas sit atop the table with two wins in two matches but will face a big test against America, which also is undefeated after a win over Queretaro and last weekend's draw with Pachuca.
The Mexico City clubs each are eager to prove to their fans and themselves that the hot start was no fluke.
| Game | Pumas vs Club America |
| Date | Sunday, January 21 |
| Time | 1 p.m. ET |
| Stream (US only) | fuboTV (7-day free trial) |
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SQUADS & TEAM NEWS
| Position | Pumas players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Saldivar, Magana, Castillo |
| Defenders | Van Rankin, Arribas, Quintana, Mendoza, Fuentes, Garcia, Jaquez, Gonzalez |
| Midfielders | Escamilla, Cabrera, Gonzalez, Jurado, Zamudio, Gallardo, Diaz, Calderon, Formica |
| Forwards | Barrera, Guerron, Alustiza, Figueroa, Asprilla, Acosta, Castillo |
Alejandro Arribas came out of Pumas' win over Atlas with a knock but has been training this week.
Potential starting XI: Saldivar; Van Rankin, Arribas, Quintana, Fuentes; Cabrera, Diaz; Barrera, Alustiza, Gallardo; Castillo
| Position | Club America players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Marchesin, Pineda, Jimenez |
| Defenders | Vargas, Alvarez, Aguilera, Valdez, Aguilar, Cedillo |
| Midfielders | Rodriguez, Da Silva, Uribe, Dominguez, Corona, Arce, Orrantia, Paredes, Ibarra, Lainez |
| Forwards | Romero, Marin, Diaz, Martin, Peralta, Quintero |
Right back Paul Aguilar is out because of a left hamstring injury that took him out of the match with Pachuca while William Da Silva's leg infection has not cleared up enough for the Brazilian to get into the squad.
Jeremy Menez is eligible to make his Aguilas debut, but the Frenchman likely will come off the bench rather than debut as a starter.
Potential starting XI: Marchesin; Alvarez, Valdez, Aguilera, Vargas; Ibarra, Rodriguez, Uribe, Dominguez; Peralta, Martin
GAME PREVIEW
For the first time in several meetings, the Clasico Capitalino feels important again.
Pumas have struggled in recent tournaments but are off to a fast start under manager David Patino.
Nicolas Castillo's four goals is tied for the most in Liga MX at this young stage, and the Chilean has helped reignite a Pumas attack that had stagnated.
Now, Pumas come in having scored three goals in each of their matches this season, scoring three unanswered in a furious Jornada 1 rally to beat Pachuca and dominating Atlas 3-1 last week.
America made several moves in the offseason to improve its attack including bringing in French striker Jeremy Menez and Colombian winger Andres Ibuarguen. It was a Mexican strike partnership that helped the team earn a 2-2 draw with Pachuca as Henry Martin scored his second goal of the season and Oribe Peralta added another.
Historically, America has the edge. Pumas haven't beaten America since the 2015 Apertura and America manager Miguel Herrera has a seven-match winning streak as America coach against Pumas between his two spells at the club. But Pumas look to be a strong side who will fight to reverse that trend and stay atop the table.
