Al Shabab coach Marcos Paqueta is hoping to upset Ajman’s “private tournament” at the bottom of the table as the Eagles look to consolidate their second place position.
The two side’s face-off on Thursday with Ajman currently in the ascendency after recent wins over Al Jazira and Al Wasl as well as a draw against Al Ain.
“We know Ajman are playing a private tournament in the league between the four bottom teams,” said Paqueta. “We have to be smart and play with intelligence, and we are prepared for this.
“We have had tough games but we have got the result recently. But Ajman is always a tough game, especially away. We will continue to collect points and keep fighting.”
Al Shabab will finish Round 19 in second place barring any freak results, but Paqueta has previously spoken about ensuring the team continue to keep Al Jazira at arm’s length.
A win today and a defeat for Al Ahli, who play Bani Yas, will put the Eagles firmly back in the title race.
Al Ahli are planning to keep up their relentless march towards a title going in tonight’s fixture against Bani Yas, who recently sacked Jorge Da Silva and new coach Adnan Hamad has been unable to remedy the club’s plight, losing 2-0 at home to Al Nasr and 3-2 to Al Wahda.
The club’s downturn in fortune isn’t however a reason for Al Ahli to slack off, according to assistant coach Catalin Raducan.
“They have players in the national team, they are very dangerous and I’m sure my players understand this. I’m sure our players will take this game very seriously.”
