Dubai: Neighbours and arch foes Al Shabab and Al Ahli are busy mulling an upset of each other’s plans in their fifth round meeting of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL), on Friday.
Traditionally known for bitterly-contested matches between the two Deira clubs, each has promised a riposte to the other when they kick off in Al Mamzar at 8pm on Friday.
Al Ahli is willing “to answer” their arch-rivals on their terms, while Al Shabab has promised a “fight to the finish” and get full points. A win or draw for The Hawks will see them keep their position at the top of the standings, while three points will see the Red Knights take possession of the top spot on a better goal difference and an additional match yet to be played.
After four matches, Al Shabab is at the pinnacle with 12 points, while their neighbours from Al Ghusais are currently in third with nine points, but with one match less.
Coaches of both teams have promised to give off their best in an attempt to bag full points and bragging rights after the derby.
“We have always analysed our opponents and we have our strategy in place. We have depth in our squad and I will choose our players for the night as per this strategy,” Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu told media at the prematch conference on Wednesday.
“I am not a magician. Nothing in life is easy. It needs a lot of hard work and I have always requested my players to respect all teams. This has always been, and will continue to be my philosophy. All the teams that I have worked with have understood this and they have always given off their best for the team,” the Romanian added.
He further hinted that he may affect an alteration in the line-up against Al Shabab. “It is possible to see changes as nobody is 100 per cent assured in my squad. We will be up against a very tough team that has four wins from four games, and that says a lot of their power. This will be a difficult game for sure as they have a high physical potential, they are aggressive and we always have a difficult game against them. We have to mobilise ourselves and reach the game in top shape and get full points,” Olaroiu stressed.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab coach Fred Rutten vouched a fight till the end against their neighbours. “Playing against Al Ahli is always a nice game and I like nice games. But it will also be a tough and hard game and we will fight till the end for a favourable result, and the best result will be the three points on home ground,” Rutten said.
“I play every game for a win. You never know what can happen, but once the game is over you will know. We are a fighting team and we have to show that we have the capacity and the quality to fight till the end,” the Dutch coach promised.
