On Wednesday, January 21, Premier League champions Manchester City will take on Bundesliga club Hamburg in a glamour friendly at Al Ain’s Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Here is all the info you need ahead of the game, including tickets, directions to the ground and players to watch.
WHAT’S GOING ON:
Manchester City and Hamburg are both in the UAE for warm weather winter training camps ahead of their respective season run-ins.
While in the emirates, the two sides will contest a friendly match at Al Ain’s Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium as part of the facility’s one-year anniversary.
It will be the second game for City at the 25,000-seater stadium after their friendly against Al Ain last year to officially open the arena.
WHERE:
The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Here are directions if you are travelling there from Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
Route A: From Abu Dhabi:
— On leaving the suburbs of Al Ain, pass through Al Yahar area, and take the exit that leads to Al Salamat area
— Cross straight through Al Salamat roundabout, and continue through the area of Al Bateen to EXTRA Mall
— Cross straight across over a number of roundabouts until you reach Al Tawia Garden roundabout
— Cross straight over Al Tawia Garden roundabout and the Stadium will be on your left
Route B: From Abu Dhabi:
— Pass through Al Maqam area and cross the Tawam Roundabout to (Al Daiwan Roundabout No 178)
— Turn left and you will see the stadium in front of you
— Straight across the roundabout and the entrance to the stadium in on the right
Route from Dubai:
— Drive to Al Ain city through Dubai — Al Ain road
— Pass through Al Hayer area and continue on the high way until you reach Al Ain Dairy Farms which will be on the right
— Turn left at the next exit and continue straight on and follow the signs to UAE University and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
— At the roundabout take left and cross straight on and the entrance to the stadium will be on the right
WHEN:
Wednesday, January 21. Kick-off 7.30pm. Spectators are advised to arrive early to prevent traffic delays.
TICKETS:
There are a wide range of tickets available. For full ticket information, visit: www.ticketmaster.ae
Football Lounge- 500.00 DH.
Club Lounge — 400.00 DH.
Club Terrace — 300.00 DH.
Premium — 200.00 DH.
General Admission 1 — 150.00 DH.
General Admission 2 — 100.00 DH.
General Admission 3 — 50.00 DH.
Women Area — 50.00 DH.
Family Area — 50.00 DH.
WILL WE SEE THE BIG STARS?
One notable absentee from Manchester City’s squad will be powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure, who is currently away with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. New signing Wilfried Bony will also be missing due to AFCON.
Hamburg’s star midfielder Lewis Holtby, on loan from Tottenham, will miss the game with injury after breaking his collarbone in a friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Given the nature of the game, expect both sides to field sides containing a mix of first-team regulars and youngsters.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Manchester City
Sergio Aguero – The Argentine striker is undoubtedly one of the finest footballers in the world, although the current season has been hampered by injury somewhat. On his day, 'Kun' is unplayable with his movement in and around the box, ability to score with both feet, and pace and trickery. Considering he has only just returned from injury, playing time in Al Ain may be limited.
David Silva – The Spanish World Cup-winner is as good technically as a footballer can get. The archetypal No10, Silva possesses the ability to create something out of nothing and has been a key part of City's Premier League title triumphs.
Frank Lampard – The former Chelsea midfielder is proving age is but a number since moving to City in the summer, scoring crucial goals to keep them in the title race. The 36-year-old is due to move to New York City FC at the end of the season so this could be the last chance football fans in the UAE to watch one of the best players in Premier League history in action.
Hamburg
Rafael van der Vaart - Known by Premier League fans for his time at Tottenham, the Dutch midfielder is the captain of Hamburg and the fulcrum of the team's attacking play. On his day, Van der Vaart can terrorise the best of defences with his late runs into the box and ability to score goals. The Manchester City back-line will need to be on their game to contain him.
Rene Adler - Part of the golden generation of German goalkeepers, Adler would have a great deal more than his 12 caps were it not for Manuel Neuer. Capable of world-class saves and adept under the high ball, the 30-year-old could be in for a busy night against City and fans may just have the chance to see how good he can be.
Valon Behrami - The unmistakable Swiss midfielder with the bleach blond hair, Behrami is also an extremely capable footballer. Prior to Hamburg, the 29-year-old spent time at Napoli, Fiorentina, West Ham, and Lazio. Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, Behrami is also capable of playing on the right. He also has the rather unenviable record of being the only Swiss player to be sent off at a World Cup.
THESE TWO HAVE HISTORY:
The last time Manchester City and Hamburg played each other in a competitive encounter was in the 2009 UEFA Cup quarter-final, with the German side progressing 4-3 on aggregate. After losing the first leg 3-1 in Germany, City could only muster a 2-1 victory at home in what was a pulsating match. With the game heading into the final moments, City defender Micah Richards, currently on-loan at Fiorentina, had the chance to take the game to extra-time but he fired his effort over the Hamburg goal.
If these two sides play out a similarly frenetic match, the fans at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium are in for a real treat.
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