Sport | Football

Old rivalry renewed as Al Ahli travel to Al Wahda

Al Wahda face tonight Al Ahli and, as on so many occasions in the past, it is a top of the table clash.

  • By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 23:41 October 3, 2008
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Al Wahda face tonight Al Ahli and, as on so many occasions in the past, it is a top of the table clash.

It may only by the third week of the UFL the game at the Al Nahyan Stadium may well determine who sits top of the league going into the 20 day break while the national team prepare and takes part in the latest round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

Al Ahli lead the standings with full six points from two matches while Al Wahda are in joint second on four.

This fixture always attractions attention and expectations as over the last decade the two teams have often met to decide who would be champions.

Both teams realise that winning today would not only be sweet because of their historical rivalry but because it would give them the chance to take the leadership of the first ever professional football competition in the country for the next three weeks.

Consolidate lead

Al Ahli would consolidate their lead at the top if they won whatever the results of the other matches while Al Wahda could go top along with Al Jazira, Al Ain or Al Dhafrah, who are all on four points as well.

Al Wahda will be without Moroccan import Murad Al Aini.

But the team have a strong squad, about the richest in the league, and should be able to cope with any absence.

Their forward line will feature the usual partnership of Esmail Mattar and Mohammad Al Shehhi while their counterpart attacking duo is expected to be Faisal Khalil and Brazilian Bari.

But Al Ahli have more experience and strength in the back line.

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