First installment of ‘Al Clasico’ tonight
dubai — One of the storied rivalries in the UAE top flight resumes this weekend when record champions Al Ain match their wits against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in the Arabian Gulf League.
After what has been a slow-burning start to the new season, the first installment of the ‘Al Clasico’ will light up the iconic Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Friday night.
Al Ahli may have been rebranded to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai but their tussle against Al Ain has been one of the fiercest rivals between two of the best football clubs in the country.
And it should be pretty much the same with all the ingredients pointing towards a top-drawer contest, even if both sides may be missing a few from their stellar cast.
The biggest of them will be Omar Abdulrahman, Al Ain’s talisman. The frizzy-haired magician has made a mockery and unlocked defences in the past and 26-year-old’s continued absence, because of an ankle injury, will be felt at the ‘Home of UAE Football.’
Al Ain are also sweating on the fitness of Ismail Ahmed and coach Zoran Mamic has left it late to decide on whether to include the centre back.
“Omar is certainly an influential player for us but I do not like talking about the absence of a player. Al Ain have a good bench strength to compensate for the absences,” Mamic said at his prematch press briefing.
About Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, the Croatian said: “We certainly respect all of our competitors, especially Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. But we should not think about the opponents as much as focusing on preparing ourselves as a way to win the challenge.”
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai are better off though despite injuries and departures. Their homegrown Ahmed Khalil has moved on to fresher pastures while Ismail Al Hammadi and Majed Hassan continue to remain absent. Nonetheless, the merger has meant a larger pool to dip into for coach Cosmin Olaroiu and it should be an interesting one to see former Al Shabab play- ers Henrique Luvannor and Tomas De Vincenti line-up against Al Ain.
Meanwhile, the weekend begins with Emirates hosting Hatta in Ras Al Khaimah, with both in search of their first win. Later, the League’s pace-setters Al Wahda are at home to Al Dhafra at the Al Nahyan Stadium and Laurentiu Reghecampf’s men will look to build on their perfect start.
On Saturday, Dibba meet Ajman, while Sharjah take on Al Wasl. Defending champions Al Jazira will look to rebound from their shock loss to Dibba, when they face-off against Cesare Prandelli’s Al Nasr at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
james@khaleejtimes.com