Al Nasr’s startling resurgence since January’s decision to rehire Ivan Jovanovic will face a stern test on Friday night when they travel to neighbours Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club for the Arabian Gulf League’s resumption after the international break.
The Blue Wave have won all six top-flight matches under the care of the Serbian – who claimed three major trophies from June 2013-October 2016 – to gate-crash the top three and potential qualification to the 2019 AFC Champions League. With only a trio of fixtures left and sinking rivals Al Wasl without a win in five top-flight fixtures, a huge advantage could be gained with victory at Rashid Stadium.
But their next opponents have won their last two matches as ex-UAE tactician Mahdi Ali begins to assert some consistency into a tumultuous inaugural campaign and should welcome back prolific Senegalese centre forward Makhete Diop after injury.
“I respect Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club,” said Jovanovic. “Always, the derby against them is very strong and exciting.
“Our team is always looking for a win and we will not stop until the final whistle. Teams with consecutive victories are the most affected by breaks in the league.”
Meanwhile, champions-elect Al Ain are immediately thrust back into action after their continental exploits when they welcome Dibba Al Fujairah.
A pair of first-half penalties from Sweden No9 Marcus Berg on Monday earned an invaluable 2-1 victory to keep hopes of progression into the 2018 ACL’s knockouts alive. They will now look to protect a four-point domestic advantage against a Dibba side who are virtually assured of safety.
This is not the case for Hatta and Al Dhafra, with bottom set to host third bottom at Hamdan bin Rashid Stadium.
