As part of Ali Khaled's 2015 Asian Champions League preview ahead of Tuesday night's start to group play, he breaks down the chances of the two remaining Arabian Gulf League clubs, Al Ain and Al Ahli, as well as the other challengers for Asia's highest club honour. Below, Ali looks at Al Ahli.
Can Al Ahli overcome their domestic form?
The Arabian Gulf League champions’ title defence has been nothing short of calamitous, with the recent 4-0 loss at home to Al Wasl a nadir. Coach Comsin Olaroiu’s men need to rediscover last season’s form if they are to stand any chance of progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League.
How long will Olaroiu be in the hot seat?
The coach’s decision to go on loan with Saudi Arabia at the Asian Cup had led to speculation that he might leave his post at Al Ahli. The club’s dismal form might not leave him a choice in the matter, and he might not be around for the knockout rounds even if the club progress from the group stages.
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Can the Emirati contingent bring a feel-good factor to the squad?
Majed Naser, Habib Fardan, Ahmed Khalil, Walid Abbas, Abdulaziz Haikal, Abdulaziz Sanqour and Majid Hassan were all heavily involved in the UAE’s successful Asian Cup campaign. Their experience of facing Asia’s best will be vital in the club’s bid for continental success.
Can Ahli banish their historical failures?
The club’s performances in the Champions League since the competition’s inception 2002/2003 have been pitiful. They finished bottom of their group in 2005, 2009 and 2010, and third in last year’s competition. It is a psychological barrier that the club need to overcome.
Will Al Ahli exploit home advantage?
In last year’s competition, Al Ahli failed to win any of their three home group matches, which ultimately cost them a chance to progress. On Wednesday, they kick off their campaign with a home match against Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia. Anything other than a win could see them sink into old habits.
Key Player: Everton Ribeiro, the Samba boy
Much is expected of the extravagantly gifted Brazilian winger who joined the club in the January transfer window. So far, he has hardly had a chance to impress at the struggling club, but the Champions League could just be the platform that helps him start to deliver.
Group verdict
On current form, Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia will be favourites to progress to the last 16 despite needing to come through the qualifying round. The situation of their namesakes from Dubai is far more difficult to read. Despite their poor league form and the turmoil engulfing the club, the squad still has enough talent in it to win big matches on their day. Nasaf Qarshi and Tractor Sazi are still relatively inexperienced at this level. Both sides are capable of causing an upset or two, especially if Al Ahli of Dubai continue to underperform, but a repeat of their previous finishes is more likely.
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