Sparky’s Column

Breathing Life into the Season

We often talk about football like a living, breathing person, but certain performances this week reminded me of someone who is ill. I don't mean anything serious; just a malaise - an inability to get oneself motivated for the tasks in hand. It could be applied to Al Jazira this week; the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Al Shabab was another performance that smacked of a side under the weather.  Al Jazira's decline means they may not make the Champions League next season, which would be a first since the advent of the Pro League. The Club have to make a choice, do they look to change the coach already or ride it out with the current incumbent? The club have previously had a steady hand when it comes to employing coaches and it has paid off in the past with Abel Braga's 3-year stint securing silverware, including a first League title. Since the title they have averaged two coaches per season and the results have suffered. The big-name overseas players have stuttered and stumbled throughout the campaign. Oliveira, who's normally near the top of the scoring charts, is currently 12 behind Asamoah Gyan leaving the team staggering along in an unfamiliar position. We are left with only a few games of the season remaining and something needing to change. The club need an injection of life, which maybe more suited to a doctor rather than a coach.

At the other end of the scale, Al Ain are a picture of health and just one win away from a second title in a row. This could come as quickly as Friday when they face a Dubai; a club all but safe from relegation. It should be a routine match and Coach Cosmin with be hoping for a straightforward win. Securing the title cannot come quick enough for Al Ain, who have one eye on the Champions League. A title race wrapped up as soon as possible means they can concentrate on the continental competition as they look to  progress further than any other UAE side in the modern version of the competition.

Revival of the week must go to Dibba after their 3-2 victory over Al Wasl. The result gives them a chance of survival, though nearest rivals Al Shaab also scored a vital victory. The gap is now just three points or one win. The two sides do not face each other in the run-in so it's a game of cat and mouse all the way through to the end of the campaign.