Ahead of the latest round of Arabian Gulf League fixtures, Ahmed Rizvi offers his predictions for the upcoming fixtures.
Kalba 0 Al Ahli 3
Convinced they were denied a Champions League win at their namesake in Jeddah midweek, recently unseated champions Al Ahli could take out their frustrations on a Kalba side already relegated from the top-flight. Expect goals in this one, just not from the side of Kalba.
Al Shabab 2 Fujairah 1
Wobbly in their last few league matches, Al Shabab will want to get back to winning ways when they host Fujairah on Sunday. Shabab are currently fourth, seven points clear of fifth-placed Al Wasl, and while that will offer them a place in next season’s Champions League, the Dubai club are just three points of Al Jazira in second, and will want to finish as high up the table as possible.
Al Wasl 4 Ajman 0
Perennial underachievers in recent seasons, Al Wasl have enjoyed a good campaign this year and occupy fifth. Successive draws — to Al Shabab and Emirates — have all but ended their Champions League hopes, but manager Gabriel Calderon will be demanding a winning performance from his side against an Ajman team all but relegated. Expect Al Wasl to send their opponents down on Sunday.
Baniyas 2 Al Dhafra 1
Dhafra have not tasted victory in their last six league matches, and are perilously close to the bottom of the table. While their AGL status is surely secure for another season, they face a Baniyas team who have become renowned for being consistently inconsistent; their last two fixtures — a home draw to Fujairah followed by a thumping win at Al Jazira — the best evidence. Expect the unexpected.
Sharjah 2 Al Jazira 3
Al Jazira have not been at their best in the last two fixtures, suffering successive losses to Al Wahda and Baniyas to see their title challenge collapse. Scoring goals has not been a problem this season for Eric Gerets’ team, but keeping them out has proved costly, with Jazira boasting the fifth worst defensive record in the league. There will be goals in this one.
Al Wahda 1 Al Ain 2
Recently-crowned champions Al Ain will be in high spirits when they visit the capital on Monday. They should have enough to beat an Al Wahda side on a good run of form having won three of their last four outings. Despite a Champions League game in Saudi Arabia on the horizon, it will be unlike Al Ain to take their foot off the pedal.
Emirates 2 Al Nasr 0
Al Nasr could be feeling a bit tired after their GCC Clubs Championship quarter-final win over Al Taawon on Tuesday, and Emirates will be looking to use that to their advantage. Despite their progress in the GCC Cup, Al Nasr have been in poor form in the league, failing to win any of their last four matches, while Emirates will be buoyed by an impressive win at Al Shabab and a draw at Al Wasl.
