Dubai: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club coach Mahdi Ali hopes his side can exploit Al Wahda’s fatigue in their away trip this Friday from 8.15pm.
Second in the Arabian Gulf League, two points behind Al Ain, Al Wahda have just lost 3-2 at home to Qatar’s Al Duhail in the Asian Champions League midweek, which was their second consecutive ACL group stage defeat in as many weeks.
Now the Clarets head into their sixth game in 21 days across all competitions at home to sixth-placed resurgent-strugglers Shabab Ahli in the domestic league. Only six games remain in the league title run-in.
“I hope the team can benefit from the technical and physical situation that the team is going through and exploit the fatigue situation that Al Wahda is expected to have as a result of pressure of matches in different tournaments,” said Ali, whose side is bolstered by the return of injured striker Makhete Diop.
By comparison, Shabab Ahli have only played three matches so far this month and they are on the up having arrested a decline of 10 league games without a win with victory against Emirates. They also progressed to the Arabian Gulf Cup semis by beating Hatta, courtesy of Diop’s return from injury.
The Clarets have won four of their last five league games drawing one away to Al Dhafra, and they are also through to the Arabian Gulf Cup semis after beating league leaders Al Ain. However, Ali is hoping the fact Al Wahda’s run has been compounded by continental commitments could give his side the edge, but he concedes it won’t be easy.
“Al Wahda will be looking to keep its chance of competing for the title and the game is at home for them and in front of their own supporters, while we are looking to improve results, which makes the game more difficult.”
Al Wahda coach Laurentiu Reghecampf denied his team were tired and said they were over the ACL defeats and ready to face Shabab Ahli.
Elsewhere this weekend, league leaders Al Ain travel to Sharjah from 8.15pm on Saturday, where they will look to maintain their two point lead over Al Wahda.
Other games on Friday see Al Jazira host Hatta and Al Dhafra travel to Al Nasr. Saturday’s games see bottom-placed Emirates host Ajman and third-placed Al Wasl visit Dibba. Al Ain, Al Jazira and Al Wasl, along with Al Wahda, have all also had midweek ACL games to contend with.
Coach of ailing defending champions Al Jazira, Henk ten Cate said: “Al Jazira have returned strongly in the league and the level has become clear, but the problem is extreme fatigue that everyone suffers with because of the pressure of games. The short interval between matches doesn’t allow for physical preparation.
“I fear the psychological readiness of the players, they prepare themselves for big games but are less ready for the rest, players have to be at the top of their mental game and full focus is needed so it doesn’t lead to a loss that will be surprising for us all.”
