Ahead of Round 21 of the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League, we take a look at the biggest talking points heading into the week’s action.
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Will Al Ahli gain cup revenge?
This week’s decision by the Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee to strip Al Ahli of next month’s Arabian Gulf Cup final was still a relative shock, despite suggestions it represented a likely outcome. It also comes at an interesting time. Ahli have been replaced in the showpiece by Al Shabab, who they just happen to face in the league on Friday. By kick-off, Ahli could have lost top spot in the league, so they will need to be on their game against their resurgent Dubai rivals, who are now chasing a top-three finish. However, the events of this week should ensure Ahli are not lacking in motivation.
Comment: Fight for top between Al Ain and Al Ahli just what the Arabian Gulf League needs
Can Douglas maintain Al Ain’s title bid?
A restorative hat-trick against Al Jazira on Sunday has cast an altogether different light on Douglas’ brief time at Al Ain. Before the match, the Brazilian striker was routinely criticised by the club’s fan base for his performances since his January move, but the treble in Abu Dhabi took his tally to a wholly creditable eight goals in nine matches. Sitting second, the UAE champions need Douglas to maintain form if they are to hold on to their title. He next faces Baniyas on Friday, a talented team, albeit with the worst defence of the division’s top seven sides. Douglas is primed to fire Al Ain top, however temporarily that may be.
More Al Ain news: Omar Abdulrahman 'can play in any league in Europe', lauds Jazira's ten Cate
Will Fujairah respond to a new voice?
On Sunday, Ivan Hasek became the sixth managerial casualty of the season, relieved of his duties at Fujairah after the club lost six from seven matches. Currently occupying one of the relegation spots and two points from safety, the club hope a fresh input can galvanise a side clearly in a deep funk. For now, that responsibility falls on Stefan Ahmed, the assistant coach. His task will not be easy against an in-form Al Wahda side on Thursday, though, themselves buoyed by Javier Aguirre’s recently penned contract extension. Contrasting coaching fortunes, but Fujairah desperately need to respond.
More Fujairah news: Fujairah, scrambling to avoid AGL relegation, dismiss Ivan Hasek
Can Al Nasr arrest their slide?
A few weeks back, Al Nasr seemed set for another strong season. The Dubai club were comfortably third in the standings, were entering the Asian Champions League group stages for the first time in three years and were about to embark on their President’s Cup defence. Yet they exited the competition at the first hurdle, began their continental campaign with defeat and have slipped to fourth in the league. A redemptive victory on Matchday 2 of the Champions League has failed to mask their domestic problems: Nasr have won two of their past eight league fixtures. They have another chance to reverse their form on Thursday, against an inconsistent Al Jazira.
More Al Nasr news: 'It's a new challenge we face': Ivan Jovanovic wants positive response from Al Nasr