Etisalat Cup previews: Lacombe, Abdulqadir expect success

Guy Lacombe will be looking for Al Wasl to gather full points against Kalba. Likewise from Ajman's Abdulwahab Abdulqadir, who expects his side to handle Dibba when Etisalat Cup action begins again.

Guy Lacombe will be expecting a good performance from his Al Wasl side tonight in the Etisalat Cup.

Al Wasl v Kalba, 4.55pm

After a shock exit from the President's Cup, Al Wasl will be determined not to lose their grip in the Etisalat Cup on Thursday, where they currently lead Group B.

Wasl were beaten by Dibba Al Fujairah 2-1 in extra time in the President's Cup two weeks ago and now they meet Kalba, promoted alongside Dibba last season, at the Zabeel Stadium.

The Dubai club are on nine points, two more than Al Jazira, in the group with four games left. Guy Lacombe, above, will expect his side to extend their lead over second-place Jazira, who do not play again until January 10.

Dibba Al Fujairah v Ajman, 4.55pm

Abdulwahab Abdulqadir, the Ajman coach, sees a chance to go top of Group C. Ajman are a point behind Al Shabab, who play Al Ahli on Friday.

"I don't believe there are any weak teams in any competition but Dibba obviously is an opponent we will have to take full points from," said Abdulqadir.

Ajman thrashed Dibba 6-1 at home in the Etisalat Cup and 4-1 away in the Pro League this season.

"Those records don't matter," Abdulqadir said. "We are going in to a new game and need to play to our true potential again."

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