Al Jazira need to shape up fast following Abel Braga’s exit – Arabian Gulf League talking points

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Al Ittihad

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Christopher Pike / The National

Ahead of the latest round of Arabian Gulf League fixtures, John McAuley offers his thoughts on the biggest talking points from the UAE football scene.

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How will manager-less Jazira respond?

The call finally came last week. Abel Braga’s disastrous second stint at Jazira was over, with the Brazilian and the club parting company following a run of three victories from 16 matches. Ali Al Junaibi has been placed in temporary charge, although Jazira are expected to make an announcement on a permanent appointment after this weekend’s home match against Emirates. Put simply, though, they cannot wait until then for another win. At present, they sit 11th in the table, so three points on Friday are a must against the team directly above them. Significantly depleted, it will require a huge effort.

Can Garcia finally mastermind a victory?

With Braga gone, attention turns to Luis Garcia at Baniyas. The Spaniard enjoyed a strong start to the season, with his side winning three and drawing two of their opening five matches. New foreign signings were excelling, particularly Joaquin Larrivey and Ishak Belfodil. However, this week’s Arabian Gulf Cup defeat to Al Shaab consigned Baniyas to finishing bottom of their group and stretched their winless run to six matches. In fact, they have two victories in 11 games. The pressure is building on Garcia, and it doesn’t get any easier on Saturday when Baniyas host championship-chasing Al Ahli. He requires some sort of respite.

Is Emenike the real deal?

It has been a strange few months at Al Ain for Emmanuel Emenike. The Nigerian joined this summer on loan from Fenerbahce, given the unenviable – and nearly impossible – task of filling Asamoah Gyan’s boots. Since then, he has attracted the ire of the Al Ain support, despite two goals against Al Shaab last week taking his tally to 10 in 13 matches. Fans of the defending champions are among the league’s most demanding and have questioned Emenike’s performances and general demeanour. It has prompted suggestions the striker will be returning to Turkey next month. A few more goals at home to Fujairah on Saturday should aid his case for staying put.

Can Shaab build on their cup win?

A miserable season at Shaab received a little cheer this week, when they defeated Baniyas 2-0 in the Arabian Gulf Cup. It was much needed. In the league, Shaab are rooted to the basement, with no wins from the first 11 rounds. Walter Zenga, left, was brought in last month to arrest the slide, but in three league matches the Italian has overseen three defeats, although they have been against Al Shabab, Jazira and Al Ain – three sides originally expected to challenge for honours. Unfortunately for Shaab, they travel to third-placed Al Nasr on Friday before entertaining Ahli next week. They are in danger of getting cut adrift.

Are Wahda consistent enough for top four?

Before the season began, Al Wahda looked dark horses for a run at the top four, perhaps even the title. The Abu Dhabi club had recruited well in manager Javier Aguirre, Jorge Valdivia, and Denilson, and still had Sebastian Tagliabue, one of the division’s best strikers. Yet, while Tagliabue, left, has shone with 18 goals in 15 matches, Wahda sit sixth in the table, struggling to put together a decent run of results. They’ve registered back-to-back wins only once. They host a resurgent Sharjah on Friday knowing three points are required if they are to keep pace with Al Wasl and Shabab above them. They cannot afford to slip up.​