Dubai
All attention will be on the derby at the Maktoum Stadium in Bur Dubai as Al Nasr host defending champions Al Ain in ninth round action of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) on Saturday.
After eight rounds of the AGL, Al Ain is at the top of the standings with 19 points, while Al Nasr is close on their heels with 18 points and Al Ahli is in third — although after just five matches and a match in hand against arch-rivals Al Shabab late on Friday — with an unbeaten record of five wins for 15 points.
Bani Yas and Emirates Club are tied with 13 points apiece in fourth and fifth place, while Al Wasl and Fujairah follow with 12 points each in sixth and seventh positions to make up the upper half of the standings.
Neighbours Al Shaab and Sharjah are holding up the lower end of the table with two and four points each, while Dibba and Al Dhafra are both with five points in 12th and 11th places.
Al Ain has been in good form with the defence of their crown, except for dropped points following a loss to Al Wahda midway and a 1-1 draw at home against Bani Yas last week. Other than these two blimps, Zlatko Dalic’s men have been doing a good job.
However, Al Ahli has been in sublime form in the league this season as they have managed all 15 points from the five encounters they have played. Last week, the Red Knights fell short for a first-ever AFC Champions League crown when they lost by a goal to China’s Evergrande in Guangzhou.
In other matches before the UAE National Day celebrations, Al Wahda will make the long trip to Ras Al Khaimah against Emirates Club, while Fujairah Club hosts newcomers Dibba and Al Wasl will be looking for a home win against Bani Yas in Friday’s fixtures.
On Saturday, Al Dhafra will host Sharjah and Al Nasr will be looking at an upset win against Al Ain. Finally, after Thursday’s late night encounter against Al Shabab, Al Ahli will be looking at a second home match against another strong side against Al Jazira on Monday.
