Ali not breaking stride

Mahdi Ali has guided Al Ahli to two wins in three games after taking the reins at the club. And he has a superb chance to make that three from four against a wounded Al Wasl side at home tonight as the Pro League returns from a two-week break. Ali led Ahli to a win in his first game in charge against Al Nasr 2-1 in the Pro League, but went down to Al Wahda in the Etisalat Cup before an impressive 4-2 result over Sharjah took them to the last eight of the President's Cup.

"The first and last games were the most important since I took charge earlier this month," said Ali. "The win against Nasr not only restored the confidence of the players, but it also gave me a good platform as the new coach. And the last game in the President's Cup is the same because it was a knockout format." Ahli face a team who suffered a shock exit from the President's Cup, beaten by Emirates 2-1 in extra-time.

Ali added: "We can't get complacent against any team, particularly teams like Wasl, who are already under pressure. Such teams are very dangerous." Baniyas, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from the 4-0 defeat to Al Wahda in last week's President's Cup when they face Al Shabab at home. [e-mail] Baniyas v Al Shabab, KO 4.50pm, Al Ahli v Al Wasl, KO 8pm