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Al Shabab eager to settle the issue
Crucial fixture against Al Jazira bears striking resemblance to the teams' 1995 First Division League engagement.
- By Sayed Ali, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:15 May 21, 2008
- Al Shabab coach Toninho Cerezo is likely to retain the same combination today that beat Al Wasl last Friday.
- Image Credit: Atiq-ur-Rehman/Gulf News archive
Dubai: Will history be repeated at Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium tonight?
In 1995, Al Shabab played their last league match against Al Jazira at the latter's ground in Abu Dhabi. Al Shabab, at that time, need a win to clinch the title and they had succeeded in beating Al Jazira 3-1 to clinch the league title for the second time in the club's history.
The club's suppporters had then taken out a huge motorcade from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, carrying the First Division shield.
Can it happen again tonight?
The Al Shabab players will be buoyed by the advise of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council and Executive Council. Shaikh Hamdan had called on the players at the team's training session in Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium last Saturday and egged them on to beat Al Jazira today in their last league match and settle the championship issue.
During his visit, Shaikh Hamdan had asked the players to clinch the title today itself, without dragging the issue on to a playoff on Sunday.
This means Al Shabab will either have to win today or at least grab a draw which will be enough for them to emerge champions.
Al Shabab enter today's crucial encounter with three options: a win, a draw and a loss. A defeat for Al Shabab today will take the two teams to a playoff on Sunday, which can make things difficult for them.
Experienced Al Shabab defender Eisa Mohammad returns today, following his absence in the last match against Al Wasl, which Al Shabab won 4-0.
Bacl to midfield
The return of Eisa means Adil Abdullah will be back to his normal position in midfield. Adil had played in Eisa's place in the last match and scored a nice goal with a back-heel.
Al Shabab will only miss the services of injured defender Essam Dahi.
Coach Toninho Cerezo will retain the combination that beat Al Wasl last Friday - Esmail Rabea as goalkeeper. Naser Yousuf, Badr Abdul Rahman, Walid Abbas, Abdullah Darwish, Eisa Mohammad in defence. Adil Abdullah, Dawood Ali, Eman Mob'ali, Jawad Qazimian, Ali Rashid and Rico in the midfield, with Salim Sa'ad, Eisa Obaid and Surour Salim moving up the park.
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