News Center

Al Ahli host Al Ain in a crucial postponed match

Al Ahli and Al Ain are set to play their postponed Etisalat Pro-League Round 16 match tomorrow at Rashid Stadium in Dubai, kick off at 6:10pm.

Al Ain's coach Gallo is likely to field Ismail Rabei as goalkeeper, Hazza Salim, Musallam Fayez, Ismail Ahmed and Mohammad Salem in the defensive line, Ali Al Wahibi, Rami Yaslam, Mohammad Abdul Rahman, Shihab Ahmed in the midfield, with Omar Abdul Rahman and Juma'a Saeed leading the frontline.

Al Ahli's caretaker coach and former coach of Al Ain's team Abdul Al Hameed Al Mistiki may play with a lineup composed of goalie Yusuf Abdullah, Badr Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Qasim, Canavaro, Mohammad Ali in the defensive line, Abdul Aziz Haikal, Moroccan player Karim Al-Ahmadi, Ismail Al Hammadi and Brazilian Bingain the midfield zone, along with brothers Faisal and Ahmad Khalil spearheading the attacking line.

Both squads will miss the efforts of some key players due to various reasons, including injury and suspension. Faris Juma'a of Al Ain who underwent laparoscopic surgery last week will not play, along with Ibrahima Keita from Ivory Coast due to suspension and Romanian Valentin due to poor form. The hosts Al Ahli will play without Tariq Ahmad who collected three yellow cards and Ahmad Khamis due to injury.

Al Ahli are currently in 8th position on 22 points, seven ahead of their contenders Al Ain who are sitting in the relegation zone with 15 points. Al Ain's coach Gallo admitted the difficulty of today's match, stressing the need to achieve victory and return with three valuable points in order to fight against relegation. "Tomorrow's match is totally different from the home tie played in Round 5 which ended in a 2-1 win for Al Ahli. This game will be played under the leadership and supervision of two new coaches, new foreign players and with different tactics, styles and ideas."

Al Ahli's Abdul Hameed Al Mistiki said, "I am a professional coach and therefore must give up all my emotions when I lead my team in any game. We have big ambitions and a desire to win, but we must be mindful that Al Ain is a strong team and includes distinctive elements that we must respect and take care of them. The matches between the two teams are always strong, but it is difficult to predict the outcome of the game."