Club América vs. Tigres UANL: Match preview, how to watch, traveling roster

Houston hosts two of Mexico's best supported teams when Club América faces Tigres at PNC Stadium on Wednesday night.

The club friendly between two Liga MX giants of the recent era is likely to draw plenty of local supporters and a few out of town faces as well. Houston's close proximity to Monterrey — around 450 miles — makes it a hotbed for Tigres supporters while twelve-time league champion Club América is one of Mexico's most popular teams.

Tickets are still available digitally via SeatGeek with the lowest at $51 including fees. With two of Mexico's most talent-stacked squads and plenty of animated fans in the stands, this one is sure to be a spectacle. The last time these two teams played in this venue was in 2016 in front of a sold-out crowd.

Here's what you need to know about this matchup:

KICKOFF TIME: 7:30 pm CT, Wednesday, March 23 at PNC Stadium

HOW TO WATCH: The match will be televised nationally in Spanish on TUDN.

HOW TO LISTEN: Spanish — TUDN Radio Houston 1010 AM.

RECORDS: AME: 2W-4D-5L (6 points, 15th in Liga MX); TIG: 7W-2D-1L (13 points, 2nd in Liga MX)

LAST TIME OUT: Both teams played this past Saturday. Tigres got a 2-0 home win over crosstown rivals Rayados. America won 3-0 over Toluca at the Azteca.

TRAVELING ROSTER:

While both teams have not officially posted their traveling rosters, some of players that will be participating have been revealed through social media. Expect both teams to play younger players out of their Academy for first team experience but there are a few faces that will make the price of admission worth the trip.

Club América: Former LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos and former Mexican national team partner Miguel Layún are part of the big names on Las Águilas traveling team. Popular goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, defender Jorge Sanchez and forward Henry Martín are not with the squad as they were called up to represent Mexico in World Cup qualifying. Chilean midfielder Diego Valdes will also be missing as he represents Chile against Brasil and Uruguay.

Tigres UANL: 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Florian Thauvin, former Argentina national team midfielder Guido Pizarro and past Mexican national team players Diego Reyes, Hugo Ayala and Luis Alfonso "Chaka" Rodriguez are part of the team in Houston. Expect most of the first team squad with the absence of André-Pierre Gignac. Houston Dash player Maria Sanchez, a former star for Tigres' women's team, was out at Houston Sports Park to greet members of her former club.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

AME: Roger Martínez, forward — Martinez got the scoring started on Saturday in the 3-0 rout over Toluca. Expect him to be a focal point of the attack and a player that continues to earn the confidence of interim manager Fernando Ortiz.

TIG: Florian Thauvin, winger — The Frenchman is coming off scoring a goal to remember in the Monterrey derby on Saturday. The former Newcastle United and Marseille player should be worth the price of admission and one of Tigres' more involved players in attack.

KEY MATCHUP: Miguel Herrera vs. his former club

The standard at Club América is always to win championships and when you stop, you get the door. Well, America probably would like to have their two-time league winning manager back during their current spell at the bottom of the table. For that reason, don't be surprised to see Tigres head coach Miguel Herrera cheered by both fanbases on Wednesday.

This is Herrera's first meeting against his former club, albeit in a friendly, following the firing of ex America manager Santiago Solari. The former Real Madrid manager, if you recall, was the man hired to replace Herrera in hopes of building long-term success. Well, that was short lived and Herrera is the type of guy to try and rub salt in the wounds of his former employers.

FOR THE WIN: Provide a spectacle

Two of the most dynamic and attack-minded sides in Liga MX should provide for an entertaining game. After all, that's what you want to see out of a friendly. Great goals, vibrant atmosphere and good weather should provide for a fun midweek matchup.

On the competitive side, it's a good matchup for both teams to stay in rhythm. Club América need to climb the standings in Liga MX so a good result could lift spirits. For Tigres, this match is about keeping tempo and the opportunity to experiment with younger players.