Sparky’s Column

The Etisalat Pro-League

The Etisalat Pro-League is set to kick-off the second half of its 2010/11 season and we have two teams in Bani Yas and Al Jazira who are streets ahead of the rest. However the rest of the ladder is more closely aligned, with just two points separating 3rd and 8th position and four clubs battling it out to avoid relegation.

That's the summary of the season so far, but let's have a look at the Clubs individually in my mid-term round-up.

1.  Al Jazira (29 points) - Top of the class again at the mid-point of the year. They have been in a similar position in the last three years only to slip up in the final stages. I think that experience will help them and they won't fail again. They have taken massive strides off the pitch drawing the biggest crowd of the season with 28,000 fans.

2.  Bani Yas (24 points) - The youngest team in the League have excelled and are sitting comfortably in second position. The backbone of young Emirati internationals in the squad have performed brilliantly throughout the season. The star men of an outstanding campaign have been Fawzi Bashir and former Al Ain striker Andre Senghor.

3.  Al Ahli (17 points) - Huge expectations pre-season when Cannavaro signed for the Club, however the expectation was not built on strong foundations as the Club struggled last season. If they remain in third then that would be seen as an achievement and a base to kick-on from next season.

4.  Al Wasl (17 points) - Another Club that lost its way after winning the League. The League's shining light this season has been Yeste. The former Athletic Bilbao stalwart has lifted the team and his left foot has been deadly from set pieces.

5.  Al Nasr (16 points) - A usual story for the oldest Club in the UAE - they have struggled to put any kind of consistent form together. A change of coach to the vastly experienced Walter Zenga means they have a winner in charge but can he inspire the Club in the second half of the campaign.

6.  Al Shabab (16 points) - The Club has drifted since winning the League three years ago and show no signs of challenging for the upper reaches of the competition. They are in the semifinal of the Etisalat Cup and that will be seen as a real chance to pick up some silverware.

7.  Al Wahda (15 points) - The curse of the League champions strikes again. It is always a difficult second season after winning the title. The return of coach Josef Hickersberger may go some way to steadying the ship.

8. Sharjah (15 points) - Much improved in the second half of last season. They sit in 8th position but are just two points off 3rd. The goals of Marcelo will be vital if they are to push onto the Champion's League spots.

9.  Al Dhafra (11points) - The team have not hit the heights of last season and just missed out on the semifinals of the Etisalat Cup. They should have enough to be safe for another season in the top division.

10. Al Ain (11 points) - Were expected to challenge for the title this season but fell by the wayside early in the race. Fans will be hoping Etisalat Cup can make up for the disappointment of their League campaign.

11. Dubai (9 points) - Started the season in disastrous fashion but not managing to pick up one point until the 8th match of the season. Michael Laurent who has scored 13 goals in all competitions will be vital if they are to survive.

12. Kalba (4 points) - They were not expected to do much this, their first season in the Etisalat Pro-League, and true to form they have only managed to gain four points and look like making a quick return to the lower division.