Ahmed Rizvi's predictions for Round 23 in the Arabian Gulf League, April 16-17.
arizvi@thenational.ae
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Al Ain 4 Kalba 0
Six points away from confirming their third title in four seasons, Al Ain should get three of them against their Division One-bound opponents. No last hurrahs for Kalba – the gulf in class between the two teams is just too big.
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Al Dhafra 2 Al Wahda 1
Stunned at Kalba in their last match, Dhafra will be keen to make amends against the visitors from Abu Dhabi and get their first win in six matches. Wahda, however, can take hope from Dhafra’s home record – Laurent Banide’s men have split points in their past three home matches and have only two wins from 11 games.
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Al Ahli 0 Al Nasr 0
The two Dubai teams have not been at their best in recent times, especially Nasr. They have only two wins from their past 11 league matches, while Ahli have struggled to score: the defending champions have scored in only two of their past 10 matches and benefited from an own-goal last week. On current form, the match looks like a drab, goalless draw.
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Ajman 0 Al Shabab 1
Having dropped four points in their past two matches, both at home, Shabab will be keen to get back to winning ways as they try to nail down a Champions League spot for next season. However, Ajman, who still have a mathematical chance of survival, could put up a stiff fight.
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Fujairah 2 Sharjah 1
Free from the worries of relegation, Fujairah will now be looking to consolidate their position on the points table. The club’s target is to finish in the top half of the table and the result of this match will be crucial to their hopes.
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Al Jazira 3 Baniyas 1
Virtually out of the championship race following their loss at Al Wahda last week, Jazira will be keen to make sure they do not miss out on the runners-up spot. With Shabab hot on their heels, three points against Baniyas would be really welcome.
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Al Wasl 3 Emirates 1
One of the best teams in the second half of the season, Wasl have set their sights on finishing among the top four and victory over Emirates will help keep their hopes alive.