Club América hosts the Pumas in the tenth game week to add another chapter to a long-standing rivalry.

Both teams are struggling to find consistent form in the Apertura 2024 at the start of the game. However, América is on a high, winning another title in the André Jardine era by beating MLS side Columbus Crew in the Campeones Cup.

Pumas are aiming for a third straight win in the league which will help them secure a spot in the direct playoff plans.

América has injuries in defense. Sebastián Cáceres and Israel Reyes are both out, so Jardine will have to look for other options to shore up his backline. Kevin Álvarez is available again. Up front, Las Águilas have Diego Valdés and Alejandro Zendejas back in the squad.

On the other hand, the Pumas are injured up front. Jorge Ruvalcaba will not be fit for the game and Leo Suárez begins his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. Gustavo Lema opted for caution and didn’t risk winger César Huerta in last Sunday’s game against Tijuana, but it looks like Huerta will be ready for the derby.

TW: Luis Malagon: Malagón has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in Liga MX.

LB: Cristian Calderon: There is clear competition between Calderón and new signing Cristian Borja for América’s left-back role. Calderon gets the recognition for his experience in derby games, reminiscent of his time at Chivas.

CB: Nestor Araujo: Since returning from Europe to play for America, Araujo has been insecure. With all the injuries in defense, he got the start.

CB: Ramon Juarez: The young defender has improved over the course of Apertura 2024. He has become a mainstay of the team and even scored his first professional goal in the win over Chivas in El Clásico Nacional.

RB: Dagoberto Espinoza: The 20-year-old right-back was Jardine’s answer to the injuries in that position. Although Álvarez is fit, Espinoza has played well and looks set to start for now.

CM: Jonathan Dos Santos: Dos Santos has regained the level many thought he had lost when he returned to Liga MX. La Masia’s talent is now a key figure for América.

CM: Alvaro Fidalgo: Fidalgo continues to be one of the best midfielders in Liga MX. The talent of Real Madrid’s academy determines the pace at which América plays.

LW: Brian Rodriguez: The Uruguayan international is playing his best football since arriving in America. The departure of Luis Quiñones in the summer left Rodríguez as the main option on the left. He has developed into one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players.

AM: Diego Valdes: Valdés is back after suffering a shoulder injury in the loss to Cruz Azul. Valdés was arguably the best player in Liga MX last year and will look to hit the ground running in Apertura 2024.

RW: Alejandro Zendejas: Zendejas is back after recovering from a broken tibia he suffered against Queretaro in July. The USMNT player was an integral part of América’s dominance over Liga MX last year.

ST: Henry Martin: Martín is having another strong season in front of goal as he is the top scorer of the Apertura 2024. The captain has scored 15 derby goals since his arrival in 2018.

TW: Julio Gonzalez: The Mexican national team goalkeeper will try to keep a clean sheet for the third consecutive season in Apertura 2024.

RB: Pablo Bennevendo: Bennevendo will have his hands full keeping the dangerous Rodríguez in check.

CB: Nathan Silva: The Brazilian central defender forms a solid duo with Lisandro Magallán.

CB: Lisandro Magallan: The Pumas captain is the clear leader of the team and the commander of the defense.

RB: Ruben Duarte: The Spanish player will get his first taste of El Clásico Capitalino. The summer signing has performed well at the start of his career at the club and has been rock solid in his left-back role.

CM: Jose Caicedo: “El Parcero” continued to put in solid performances for Pumas. He is the anchor in midfield and one of the most important players in Lema’s team.

CM: Piero Quispe: Quispe joined Pumas in January and needed time to get used to Liga MX. The Peruvian player is now essential to Lema’s midfield as he can shield the ball and launch attacks.

LW: Cesar Huerta: After missing the last game, Huerta is fit for the derby. El Chino has been the Pumas’ standout player since his arrival at the club, earning him a place in the Mexican national team. The dynamic winger will look to take advantage of the injury-plagued defense.

RW: Ignacio Pussetto: Pussetto scored the game-winning goal for Pumas against Tijuana. He will try to continue his good form.

ST: Guillermo Martinez: “El Memote” had a slow start to the season but remains a good option up front. His physicality and hold-up game are valuable in the team’s offensive system.

ST: Rogelio Funes Mori: Lema opted for two strikers in the game against Tijuana and could repeat that strategy to take advantage of America’s weakened defense. Funes Mori has scored 11 goals against América in his Liga MX career.