Al Wahda boss Laurentiu Reghecampf is expecting a “different” reaction versus lowly Emirates Club after their Arabian Gulf League-title push was surprisingly derailed last week.
The Clarets went down 4-2 to promoted Bani Yas, ending a perfect start for 2017/18’s runners-up.
“I talked to the players about the negatives we had in the Bani Yas match and made sure that the reaction against Emirates Club would be different,” Reghecampf said about Friday’s fixture.
“We have to be ready to play, to do the best we can to win. We respect the opponent and we know that they have the determination to achieve a positive result in this match.”
In the other highlight of the round, Sharjah defender Abdulla Ghanem is ready to embrace the “real test” of battling fellow high-flyers Al Jazira.
The free-scoring King top the nascent table after winning all four matches. Friday’s hosts, however, are only two points behind.
“The next game is a real test and a great motivation for the players,” said Ghanem. “We can limit the attacking force of Al Jazira.”
ROUND 5
Thursday
17:15 Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club v Ittihad Kalba
17:15 Ajman v Bani Yas
20:00 Al Nasr v Dibba Al Fujairah
Friday
17:10 Emirates Club v Al Wahda
17:25 Al Dhafra v Al Wasl
20:00 Fujairah v Al Ain
20:00 Al Jazira v Sharjah