Abu Dhabi: Al Ain have been urged to fulfil most pundits’ predictions that they will win the Arabian Gulf League and kick off their campaign in style with a victory at home to Al Wasl on Saturday.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Ain, told the club website that “expectations were meaningless without actions”.

Shaikh Abdullah also insisted that the Garden City outfit could still reach the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League final, despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the first leg of their last-four encounter on Tuesday.

Their involvement in the competition — the return leg of the semi-final will be on September 30 — meant Al Ain postponed their first league game of the season against Al Shabab.

Shaikh Abdullah said: “After long preparation for the new season, we will play Al Wasl [seeking] a win in our opening match of the Arabian Gulf League. It is an important match in the league.

“All sports critics are nominating Al Ain to win the Arabian Gulf League title, but expectations are meaningless without actions. We must work hard, prepare well and fix the mistakes [of midweek] to be able to get the best result in our first match of the league.”

Of their continental challenge, he added: “We also should consider that the AFC second-leg match will be in our home and in front of our fans. We should make use of these two important factors to reach our aspirations. I’m sure our fans can help in changing any result for Al Ain.”

Meanwhile, Al Wasl’s Brazilian boss Jorginho warned the Cheetahs to be wary of a wounded Al Ain animal. “I saw them against Al Hilal midweek and, with the exception of three quick goals, they could have won, so it will be extremely hard for us,” he said. “But we will focus and at least try to bring back one point.

“We had a tremendous first half against Al Dhafra [in a 2-2 draw on Monday], but in the second half we had some mistakes, where we were not focused, so we need to work on this.”

Elsewhere, Al Jazira fans will be hoping for more of the same from new boys Manuel Lanzini and Mirko Vucinic, who excelled in their 3-2 win at Ajman on Monday, when they host Fujairah on Saturday.

Argentinian playmaker Lanzini scored two sumptuous goals and ex-Juventus striker Vucinic was also on target in the thrilling victory.

Yet, it’s another Abu Dhabi side, Al Wahda, who lead the standings after the opening round of matches following their 5-0 thrashing of Kalba on Tuesday night.

Coach Jose Peseiro warned his men not to get carried away by this flying start, though, ahead of Sunday’s visit to Emirates. He said: “Our focus is only on the next game against Emirates. To win 5-0 against any team in the top flight is a good result, but that doesn’t guarantee any trophies. The margin of victory doesn’t give us more than the three points.”

Later on Sunday, league champions Al Ahli will entertain Al Shabab, with coach Cosmin Olaroiu demanding the Red Knights to be more ruthless in front of goal following their unconvincing 1-0 win at Sharjah on Tuesday.

The Romanian said: “I don’t know how many chances we wasted, but thankfully we got the three points.”