Al Wasl look to lick their wounds and end AGL struggles at leaders Sharjah

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  • (Pro League Committee).

    Al Wasl face a gargantuan task to turnaround their abysmal domestic form when they travel to undefeated Arabian Gulf League-leaders Sharjah on Thursday.

    The Cheetahs went down to a 2-0 home defeat against unfancied Ajman on Sunday. This fifth reversal in their last six top-flight fixtures saw them sink down to 11th – some fall from last term’s third-placed finish under Rodolfo Arruabarrena.

    Caretaker boss Abdullah Al Abdouli – who answered an emergency call in October after Gustavo Quinteros’ abysmal reign was ended after five months – remained positive in his pre-match press conference, despite travelling to the shock pacesetters.

    “In the last game against Ajman, we committed a series of technical and individual mistakes,” said the ex-UAE assistant, who famously found a way past Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly last week in the Zayed Champions Cup’s second round. “I do not blame the players, because of their great efforts in the past.

    “Our focus is only on the upcoming confrontation with Sharjah. They are a respectable team, offering outstanding performance in league matches.

    “We are currently working very hard ahead of the upcoming game with Sharjah and we are extremely well prepared. This is because of the importance of the result for the team and we will do our best to reach our goal.

    “The next confrontation brings together two of the biggest teams in the UAE. Both of them have a great history and have made outstanding achievements.

    “This makes the clashes between them always exciting, regardless of the position of both teams in the table.”

    Meanwhile, another interim reign begins on the same night when former Al Wahda skipper Al Hay Jumaa faces Ajman.

    President’s Cup winner Laurentiu Reghecampf was dismissed on Sunday by the Clarets after a 2-1 derby loss at Al Jazira made it five AGL matches without victory for 2017/18’s runners-up.

    This has provided a temporary opportunity for Jumaa to impress, alongside ex-Syria international Dr Ammar Awad.

    “The players must be highly responsible and bear the burden, plus the pressures, that surround the team because of failure to win the last five games in the league,” said Jumaa.

    “Together, the efforts of the players, the management and the public will be able to overcome this stage and to win.”

    Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club know who they need to stop in Friday’s Dubai derby against Al Nasr – red-hot ex-Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo.

    Last month’s hire of Arruabarrena has seen four wins and one draw recorded, in contrast to Jose Luis Sierra’s early struggles. Opponents Nasr have also recovered in style after they lost their opening trio, remaining undefeated since thanks, in part, to summer buy Negredo’s eight goals in eight AGL matches.

    The former Manchester City and Spain front man, however, was shutout for the first time in six top-flight matches during last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Bani Yas. A replication of such defensive acumen is the key for Arruabarrena.

    He said: “The game is very important for us, because we are facing a strong and organised team with good players, especially in the middle of the pitch and the attack.

    “They have Negredo, who offers excellent levels and is a key to the team. I expect a difficult and strong confrontation between two big teams.”

    Other highlights of round 11 include Thursday’s battle of the promoted outfits when yo-yo club Ittihad Kalba host Bani, while champions Al Ain host rock-bottom Dibba Al Fujairah.

    On Friday, caretaker Damien Hertog gets another chance to impress the Jazira hierarchy when floundering Emirates Club come to the capital. New boys Fujairah will be determined to snap a three-match winless streak, against Al Dhafra.

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