Jornada 16 Preview: Questions Abound

The penultimate Jornada of Mexico's Apertura 2009 season has arrived and there is still plenty of drama left to unfold.

Who else will reach the Liguilla on the weekend? Will someone step up from Group 1 and play their way into the postseason? Who will get squeezed out from Group 2? Does the Clasico Tapatio mean anything?

These questions should be answered on the weekend.

Goal.com Mexico's Game of the Week

America vs. Monterrey, Sunday 5:30 p.m. ET

What seemed like a potential battle for group or possibly league supremacy is now all but a do-or-die game for America. Such are the elevated stakes in Group 2, where one setback could be dearly. America were within reach of the top spot in the group table but now are even with Puebla and tied for third place in the standings. But the club still is in a comfortable position. However, the team must take advantage of their home game here against Monterrey. A win would pull America level on points with los Rayados heading into the final match of the season but a loss could see America fall into fourth place. Monterrey have made it a point to finish the season strong and got off to a good start against Santos in a 2-1 win. A focused MOnterrey team could pose problems for America.

Prediction: Draw, 2-2.

SATURDAY

Cruz Azul vs. Puebla, 6 p.m. ET

La Maquina's road to the playoffs could culminate on Saturday. Cruz Azul have a turnaround campaign as manager Enrique Meza has hit the ground running with la Maquina. This match could not only help Cruz Azul reach the playoffs but the club could wrap up the Group 3 title in the process and take an important step towards nabbing home-field advantage in their quarterfinal series at minimum. But Puebla are no easy side to defeat. In fact, Puebla have lost just once this season and are in a heated race themselves. Puebla are even with America on points and could move into a second-place draw with Monterrey before the night is out.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

Indios vs. Jaguares, 8 p.m. ET

Jaguares have a strong chance of success against Indios for one reason: the match is being played far away from Chiapas. In fact, it's as far away from Chiapas as possible, at least in terms of playing a league match this season. Jaguares have been the worst home team in the league this season as they've compiled an 0-5-2 record in their seven home fixtures. The only other team not to record a home win? Indios. Jaguares' five road victories combined with Indios' lousy form at home should combine for a road victory.

Prediction: Jaguares, 2-0.

Tigres vs. Atlante, 8 p.m. ET

In a Group 3 match that doesn't really mean much for group positioning, Tigres and Atlante will play in Estadio Universitario in a matchup of underachieving teams. Tigres will close out their home calendar and need a win to help give their supporters reason to feel optimistic about next season. Tigres' 1-0 loss at Queretaro was particularly difficult for the club. Atlante, meanwhile, came from way back in the standings to within two points of Cruz Azul but lost to la Maquina. However, the club showed some bite in a midweek win over Toluca.

Prediction: Atlante, 2-1.

San Luis vs. Santos, 8 p.m.

Both San Luis and Santos are in similar positions in their respective group standings. Both sides are in second place and have the chance to secure a spot in the Liguilla with a victory. However, that is where the similarities end. San Luis are having a terrible campaign and are only in line for a playoff spot because they are in the horrid Group 1. Santos have earned their spot in the playoff chase with a 7-3-5 mark while San Luis are 4-5-6 and essentially the best of the worst in Group 1. However, a loss to Santos might do San Luis in as two teams could catch the club in points following this weekend's slate of games.

Prediction: Santos, 3-1.

Atlas vs. Chivas, 9:45 p.m. ET

The latest edition of el Clasico Tapatio will likely feature its usual electric moments and ambience but it may not mean much in the overall table. Neither Guadalajara side has been very good this season. Chivas have already gone through two managers but the results stay the same as the team is not picking points quickly enough to make a push for the playoffs. However, San Luis sit in second place in Group 1 and are not exactly a pillar of strength. A loss by San Luis against Santos - not an out-of-the-world possibility - could open the door for the winner of the Clasico to move into a position to threaten for a Liguilla spot, however unlikely that may seem.

Prediction: Draw, 0-0.

SUNDAY

Toluca vs. Pachuca, 1 p.m. ET

It is the dream Clausura 2009 final that never happened. Pachuca and Toluca were 1-2 in the table last season and were seemingly on a collision course to meet in the final until the Liguilla actually started. Indios stunned Toluca in the quarterfinals and the dream never had a chance to be realized. Instead, Pachuca played and lost to Pumas in the final. Now that the teams are meeting for the first time this season, the matchup has lost its glitz. Toluca are in the playoffs but Pachuca are all but out, and are a shell of their former selves.

Prediction: Toluca, 2-0.

Morelia vs. Pumas, 1 p.m. ET

Pumas already helped Morelia in one sense last week in beating America 3-2. The win helped Morelia clinch a playoff spot as Monarcas became the second club to secure a spot in the Liguilla. Morelia also became superlider with their win over Jaguares and the club now needs to simply maintain their spot in the table to secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Pumas showed some bite against America and dealt a blow to las Aguilas' Liguilla hopes. Pumas may be out to show that their club is still strong despite missing out on the playoffs, but it will be a challenge against a club fine-tuning its way to the top spot in the table.

Prediction: Morelia, 1-0.

Estudiantes vs. Queretaro, 5 p.m. ET

Who would have thought that Queretaro would be alive with a chance at the Liguilla in the penultimate week of the season? Such a scenario seemed like completely unfathomable after 10 weeks but now Queretaro could very well reach the postseason. Of course, part of that is the club's terrible group as Group 1 features Toluca and five also-rans, but Queretaro are not complaining. Los Gallos are on a hot streak, having won four of their last five games. Estudiantes have been up and down for most of the season and could get overwhelmed by the visitors.

Prediction: Queretaro, 3-2.

Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura 2009 season, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.