Sparky’s Column

It’s a Game of Numbers

 

The Etisalat Pro League next season will become a 14 team competition with the announcement of the expansion from the current 12. The advantages for Sharjah and Emirates clubs are obvious as the teams have the chance of a reprieve from the dreaded drop. They enter a four team play off with Al Dhafra and Al Shaab. This will be a nail biting way to decide the final two places in the division. It could actually come down to a play off between the two big Sharjah clubs to decide who gets the coveted spot in the Etisalat Pro League. The positive is that all the teams in the mix to gain the four spots have recent Pro League experience. Al Shaab were relegated three seasons ago but have the stadium and infrastructure for AFC Champions League. Al Dhafra have only spent a season out of the top league from which they were unlucky to be relegated in 2011. The play off is only going to be in place for one season but who knows if it proves as exciting as it sounds then maybe it will continue.

 

The transfer merry-go-round is in full swing and one name stands out from all the rest, that being Didier Drogba Chelsea's hero of the recent Champions League final. The Ivorian would be a huge coup for Al Wasl, almost on a par with securing Maradona this time last year. Diego has complained a number of times over the season that the club was not willing to invest in top level talent. This would certainly mean the little man would have no complaints heading into the 2012/13 season.

 

Over New Year I myself predicted a few things and asked around the football journalists of the UAE for their thoughts, now is the moment of truth.  My prediction for 2012 was simply for Al Ain to win the League with Asamoah Gyan top scorer in the Etisalat Pro League. Now without boasting too much I got a 100% strike rate.

 

So that is the season wrapped up but the fun starts now with transfer window opening, coaches moving and soon welcoming two new teams to the division.