Ahead of the opening exchanges of the new Arabian Gulf League season, we've put our reporters to the test and asked them to give their predictions for the upcoming season.
Will Al Ahli retain their AGL title or will the likes of Al Ain and Al Jazira pip them to the league thanks to some big moves in the transfer market?
Can Majid Bougherra inspire Fujairah to cause an upset this year and how will Ittihad Kalba fare on their return to the UAE top-flight?
By sticking their necks on the line, our reporters hope to answer these questions and more.
Andy Lewis
Champions: Al Ahli.- They may not have delved lavishly into the foreign market but they did not need to. They have bags of AGL knowhow- not least their boss- and will prove most consistent.
Relegated: Ajman and Ittihad Kalba.
Surprise Package: Al Wasl- After several seasons of struggle, new boss Jorginho and his Brazilian imports can make a big impact.
Ones to watch: Al Jazira’s Ahmed Rabea & Khalfan Mubarak- Rabea has pace and can finish, Mubarak is a classy No10 who can break through after injury.
Matt Monaghan
Reporter
Champions: Al Ain- Zlatko Dalic has constructed a young, hungry and skilful side that will be impossible to stop.
Relegated: Ittihad Kalba and Emirates Club – Kalba’s domestic signings have been uninspired while Emirates seem in chaos.
Surprise Package: Fujairah- Madjid Bougherra will be a colossus at the back, unifying the whole club.
One to watch: Ahmed Barman- Dalic has entrusted the tireless youngster with a starting spot in Al Ain’s midfield, with the20-year-old set to blossom and push for full UAE honours in the season to come
Reem Abulleil
Reporter
Champions: Al Ain – The Boss’ confidence must be sky-high with their exploits in Asia and President’s Cup triumph.
Relegated: Ajman and Ittihad Kalba – The Orange Brigade will miss coach Abdulwahab Abdulqadir, while promoted Kalba will now be the small fish in a big pond.
Surprise Package: Bani Yas – People aren't expecting much from Baniyas but they've made a couple of decent signings, bringing in Spanish duo Joan Verdu and Angel Dealbert and will have their star man Amer Abdulrahman back after a knee injury. We should expect them to finish much higher than their ninth place last season
One to watch: Habib Fardan – The biggest Emirati transfer move of the summer. Many eyes will be on the midfielder to see if he’ll bring energy to an ageing Al Ahli team.
Jon Turner
Web reporter
Champions: Al Ain – The commitment of Asamoah Gyan and a return to form for Omar Abdulrahman will see The Boss reclaim the title they surrendered last season.
Relegated: Ittihad Kalba and Ajman – Neither side has sufficiently strengthened.
Surprise Package: Al Wasl – The recently assembled Brazilian contingent should see the Cheetahs press for a top-six place to
end the misery of recent seasons.
One to watch: Manuel Lanzini – If the talented Argentine playmaker can ably fill the void left by Abdelaziz Barrada, Al Jazira
will be among the title contenders.
Barny Read
Web reporter
Champions: Al Ain – Zlatko Dalic has Al Ain playing an exciting brand of football and following their Champions League showings it seems he will succeed.
Relegated: Ittihad Kalba and Emirates Club – Have not done enough while the majority of their rivals have spent wisely.
Surprise Package: Fujairah – Experienced coach Abdulwahab Abdulqadir will prove a calming influence following the departure of Dzemal Hadziabdic.
One to watch: Miroslav Stoch – Al Ain winger will prove a daunting player to mark with his trickery and pace.
