GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Another sellout is expected when Chivas host Liga MX champion Tigres in the Estadio Omnilife on Sunday, with pressure mounting on the Guadalajara team.
Chivas are without a win in 2016 after two draws in the first two matches of the Clausura 2016 and a 1-0 loss away to FC Juarez in the Copa MX on Wednesday.
It is too early to say Argentine coach Matias Almeyda's job is under immediate danger, but if Dorados de Sinaloa had been average instead of abysmal in the past seven months since winning promotion, Chivas would be in serious relegation trouble.
Here are five talking points ahead of the game:
1. Litmus test for Chivas
Chivas have been difficult to really pin down this Clausura. At times, the young side -- bolstered by new signings Carlos "Gullit" Pena and Orbelin Pineda -- have impressed going forward with panache, speed and invention. But just as it seemed against Cruz Azul and Veracruz that they would be able to secure comfortable victories after taking early leads, it was as if the Chivas players froze.
Against a Tigres side that can be considered the strongest Liga MX outfit we have seen in recent years, there can be no such inconsistency. Tigres will punish if Chivas fail to take chances, become slack in defense and generally take their foot off the pedal for long stretches of the games.
With recent results subpar and confidence perhaps low, this is a genuine test of Almeyda, especially considering Chivas owner Jorge Vergara's historical lack of patience with coaches. If one win in the past eight Liga MX games becomes one in nine, the alarm bells may begin to ring.
2. Salcedo vs. Gignac
Chivas' 22-year-old center back, Carlos Salcedo, has been the subject of much interest from European clubs, with the likes of PSV, Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen all rumored to be in the hunt for the Guadalajara native.
On Sunday, Salcedo will be partly charged with stopping arguably the Liga MX's best striker in France international Andre-Pierre Gignac. There seems little doubt that European scouts will be watching and picking through Salcedo's performance with a fine-toothed comb. If he deals comfortably with Gignac, it'll be a major boon for the defender.
Another fascinating battle will be Tigres' in-form left-winger Javier Aquino up against Chivas right back Raul Lopez, another youngster with much potential.
3. Ferretti's outlook
The previous two matches between these sides in the Estadio Omnilife have finished in 0-0 stalemates, largely because Tigres coach Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti sent his teams out to keep the games as tight as possible.
Even with Gignac, Aquino and Jurgen Damm now in tow, it is unlikely Ferretti will do anything other than attempt to frustrate Chivas and take advantage of defensive errors, something Chivas have made lots of in their first two games this season.
Despite winning the 2015 Apertura, Ferretti's unwillingness to let off on the brakes remains a sticking point with at least a section of Tigres fans.
Tigres do, however, go into the match against Chivas as favorites and as by far the most balanced team. Chivas have looked top-heavy this season, with even both full-backs -- Miguel Ponce and Lopez -- also considered wingers.
4. Bravo up against old club
A lot has been made and said about Omar Bravo's miss in the eighth minute last Saturday against Cruz Azul. With Chivas already 1-0 up and battering Cruz Azul, Bravo spawned a simple opportunity in the Estadio Azul.
The 35-year-old is the only recognized and established striker at the club at present and the pressure is on him. Against former club Tigres -- where he endured a dismal and short stint - Bravo needs to be on his "A" game if more knives aren't to be sharpened in questioning why Chivas didn't go out and buy an experienced backup for the veteran in the offseason.
5. The real "campeonismo"
All week there has been an online back and forth between Club America and Chivas fans about who is the real "campeonisimo." It started when Las Aguilas -- Chivas' bitter rival -- posted their official Clausura 2016 team photo on Twitter with the phrase: "The true campeonisimo!"
The reference was to Club America's 12 first-division titles, one more than Chivas. But for Chivas, the "campeonisimo" motto refers to the eight titles won in the late 1950s and 1960s, a period that established the club as a giant in the Mexican game.
Chivas reacted with a tweet of their own, but what the club really needs is something to shout about in the modern era.