Jovanovic wary of long trip to Madinat Zayed & Dhafra’s tenacity

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  • Striker Nilmar (l) and playmaker Luis Jimenez (r) will perform key roles against Al Dhafra.

    Victory in the tricky away trip to Al Dhafra should provide Al Nasr with a springboard to future joy in the Arabian Gulf League, according to boss Ivan Jovanovic.

    The Blue Wave will undertake a lengthy 280-kilometre journey to Madinat Zayed when the top-flight resumes today after the 

    international break. 

    The draining effects of this four-hour coach ride was on show last term, goals from Pablo Hernandez and Ibrahima Toure within the first 16 minutes being levelled by Laurent Banide’s men with a pair of second-half strikes.

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    Such results saw vital points drawn away for Nasr in the race for the 2015/16 crown, eventually finishing fifth. An improvement could act as a marker to show that the President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup holders are ready to transfer this success to the title fight after opening with a 2-1 win against Emirates Club.

    “I believe it is still too early and the teams have had too few games to show where they can reach this season,” Jovanovic said. “But it is right to think these types of games are very important to win.

    “It is good for the psychology and the preparation of the team for the next games if you do.”

    The Western Knights finished 11th last season, coach Banide’s December return for a third stint in control ending any relegation worries. 

    Jovanovic expected a tough test against a club who lost 3-1 in their AGL opener at champions Al Ain.

    He said: “I always believe games against Al Dhafra away are interesting and difficult. It is a team who have stayed in the league during the last few years.

    “When they play at home, they play with great confidence. It is an important one for us and our target is to win this game.”

    Winger Jonathan Pitroipa is expected to feature after a call-up by Burkina Faso saw him miss last Friday’s goalless AG Cup-draw against Al Wasl. 

    The UAE’s third-choice goalkeeper Ahmed Shambieh should also return.

    Meanwhile, coach Tarek El Ashry has vowed to keep on fighting after Al Shaab endured a trying top-flight return.

    El Ashry, 44, is yet to taste victory in three AGL or AG Cup matches since he joined the newly-promoted outfit this summer from ENPPI SC in his native Egypt.

    “I am ready for this challenge,because I adore such tests,” he told Al Ittihad ahead of tonight’s trip to Fujairah. “Even though it is difficult, I will not surrender the fight.

    “I will not give up on Al Shaab, despite the negative start in the Arabian Gulf Cup and Arabian Gulf League. In time, we will make a strong team.

    “In the end, we will please our loyal fans who have been with the team and supported them in the darkest circumstances.”

    Likely line-ups
    Al Dhafra (4-4-1-1):
    Sultan; Masoud, Al Ali, Ibrahim, H. Al Hammadi; Ali, Jumaa, Al Naqbi, Abdulqader; Barral; Diop
    Al Nasr (4-2-3-1): Shambieh; Al Yassi, Al Ameri, Dhahi, Khamis; Mubarak, Abbas; Kembo Ekoko, Jimenez, Ahmed; Nilmar

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