In terms of roster depth and talent, no other Liga MX teams can compete with the likes of Monterrey and Tigres. With a long list of the best players that the Mexican first division has to offer, it's no surprise that the two sides will be battling in the 2017 Apertura final this week.
When looking at the marquee names like Andre-Pierre Gignac, Aviles Hurtado, Dorlan Pabon and various others, one can't help but fantasize about a potential superteam that combines the powers of Monterrey and Tigres. In fact, if a Liga MX all-star team did exist, it would more than likely be dominated by figures from both squads.
With all of this in mind, what would that Monterrey/Tigres combined XI look like? Let's find out.
GK Hugo Gonzalez, Monterrey
With 10 clean sheets in 21 games this season, Gonzalez has been one of the most exciting goalkeepers in the tournament. If the 27-year-old keeps up this form, there's a decent chance that he might be given a chance for El Tri in the near future.
RB Luis Rodriguez, Tigres
Rodriguez is an accurate distributor who also loves to make risk-taking runs down the wings. Whether it be in the defense or the attack, the Mexican right-back has emerged as another reliable name for Tigres manager Ricardo Ferretti.
CB Hugo Ayala, Tigres
Although he has yet to show the same kind of regular dominance for the Mexican national team, Ayala has once again looked like one of the best defenders in the league. The veteran has taken charge of a Tigres backline that has only allowed two goals so far in the playoffs.
LB Leonel Vangioni, Monterrey
Vangioni is a consistent and trustworthy figure in Monterrey's defense. The Argentine rarely makes errors, and with plenty of tackles and clearances per game, the left-back is a name that must be included in the XI.
MF Jonathan Gonzalez, Monterrey
The inclusion of the 18-year-old Mexican-American might raise some eyebrows, but Gonzalez is worthy of a place in this XI. The California kid has a fantastic work rate and is vital in the creation of Monterrey's counters. There's no doubt that Gonzalez is the breakout star of the Liga MX season.
RW Dorlan Pabon, Monterrey
Powerful, quick and with an eye for creating plenty of chances, Pabon has been nothing short of brilliant for Monterrey. Very few Liga MX defenders have proved to be able to stop or halt the Colombian's imposing presence in the final third.
MF Carlos Sanchez, Monterrey
With excellent distribution, aggression and a knack for the occasional goal, Sanchez is a highly prized asset to any Liga MX team. The hard-working Uruguayan is another irreplaceable component in the roster for Los Rayados.
MF Enner Valencia, Tigres
Space needed to be made for Valencia in this hypothetical XI, which is why he has been dropped to a more attack-minded midfield role. Despite this, the 28-year-old Ecuadorian would still easily thrive with his noteworthy stamina and dribbling abilities.
LW Aviles Hurtado, Monterrey
Since joining Monterrey over the summer, Hurtado has hit the ground running as the team's leading goalscorer in the Apertura. No Monterrey/Tigres combined XI would be complete without the inclusion of the creative and agile Colombia international.
FW Rogelio Funes Mori, Monterrey
A striker partnership with Andre-Pierre Gignac and Funes Mori is a mesmerizing one. The Argentine, who currently has six goals in the playoffs for Los Rayados, is a key reason why many believe that Monterrey will lift the title this week.
Andre-Pierre Gignac, FW, Tigres
Although Gignac has had a dip in form this season, the Frenchman is still arguably the most talented pure striker in the league. The 32-year-old continues to be capable of moments of magic that can turn any game on its head.