When does the 2018/19 AGL start?

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  • Al Ain are determined to retain their Arabian Gulf League crown in 2018/19 (PLC).

    The 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League is set to kick-off on August 30, organisers the Pro League Committee announced on Wednesday.

    Last term’s third-placed finishers Al Nasr will begin the campaign against Ajman in Dubai, this fixture likely coming before the renovated Al Maktoum Stadium is reopened. Also taking place on the opening Thursday will be coach Gustavo Quinteros’ competitive debut for fourth-placed Al Wasl when they play Dibba Al Fujairah and Al Dhafra v Sharjah.

    Champions Al Ain will start the defence of their crown on the following day away at relegation-battlers Emirates Club. The remaining three fixtures feature a battle of the promoted sides when Fujairah – minus Diego Maradona – host Bani Yas, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club welcome Al Jazira and returning yo-yo club Ittihad Kalba travel to runners-up Al Wahda.

    The competition has returned to its 14-team format after last season’s drop to 12 caused by the mergers of Al Shabab, Al Ahli and Dubai CSC, plus Sharjah and Al Shaab. It will run from August 30-May 15.

    Top-flight fixtures have been released up until the halfway mark is met on December 14. There will be no matches during the entirety of January because it’s blocked off for the 2019 Asian Cup, on home soil.

    Early highlights include Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli on September 28, the Bur Dubai derby between Wasl and Nasr on October 19 and the ‘Al Clasico’ between Al Ain and Al Jazira on October 20.

    May 29’s President’s Cup final will wind up the domestic season.

    The full schedule for the Arabian Gulf Cup – held by Wahda – has also been announced. Group games will be played during FIFA international weeks and the CWC, also in the UAE, from September 4-December 21.

    The quarter-finals are to be held on December 28. Semi-finals will follow on March 8, with the showpiece coming on March 22.

    A list for the first half of the AGL, plus full schedule of the Arabian Gulf Cup, can be found below.

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