How will Wasl respond?
The Dubai club are in a state of flux, with a new coaching staff and nearly a new team. Wasl made 14 signings during the summer and their play has reflected an assemblage of strangers.
A 5-1 defeat to Al Ahli on Friday made it three matches without victory for Jorginho, their latest coach, who was at pains after the match to point out how difficult a schedule his rebuilt side have had these opening few weeks.
After their initial encounter against Al Dhafra, Wasl faced Al Ain and Ahli, and on Tuesday travel across town to Al Nasr. It has hardly been the easiest of introductions to UAE football.
While some perspective is required, they must rebound at Nasr. They need a boost and, if a positive result is beyond them, the performance has to be better than what they put up against Ahli. It is yet another tough test for Jorginho’s boys.
Can Kalba slow Shabab?
Three matches in and Kalba already seem set for a season of struggle. The promoted side knew their top-flight return would test limited resources, but they need to find a way to be more resolute.
Capitulations, such as those against Al Wahda and Sharjah, must be eradicated. In those two fixtures, both away from home, Kalba conceded nine goals, suggesting the team does not possess the requisite spirit to pick up points on the road. That places even greater strain on their home form.
A draw with Baniyas at the Kalba Union Stadium gives hope, although on Tuesday they host a rampant Al Shabab.
Caio Junior’s side have maximum points from two games against difficult opponents, with new signing Henrique Luvannor scoring three goals and already looking a real threat.
It is early days, but Kalba need something from this. A vast improvement in defence is key to their chances.
Revolving door at Dhafra
Having had all summer to get their house in order, the Western Region club have decided to do a little last-minute tweaking.
Paulinho and Matias Defederico, two recent recruits, have failed to impress and are to be released. Kamel Chafni, the Moroccan midfielder who impressed last season, is ready to come back in, to be joined by compatriot Youssef Kaddioui.
Dhafra’s change of heart is questionable. Granted, they have failed to register victory in three rounds, but they have not been beaten either.
They should draw encouragement, not panic; foreign players need time to adapt to the country, the footballing culture and the climate. With lead striker Makhete Diop out, too, the early toil is understandable.
Monday’s visit of Al Jazira, the capital club with designs on lifting the title, is not what the doctor ordered. With all the uncertainty off the pitch, it is difficult to anticipate Dhafra performing on it.
Sharjah to build on Round 3?
The alarm bells had already sounded. Sharjah, seeking to continue last season’s fine return to the Arabian Gulf League, recorded an opening-day defeat to Al Ahli and then followed it with an insipid display at Al Nasr. That both opponents represented stiff opposition was lost among the gloom.
The 4-2 victory Friday against Kalba was welcome. Admittedly, the new boys did not put up much resistance, but that mattered little as Wanderley and Luan, a pair of summer signings, finally got on the score sheet.
Until that point, Sharjah’s Brazilian contingent had looked significantly out of sorts. How unfortunate, then, when news surfaced this week that Luan will miss the next six months because of injury.
Sharjah have been forced into a quick rethink. It leaves no time, though, for Tuesday’s visit to league leaders Al Wahda. A considerable collective effort is required if Sharjah are to glean anything from the trip to the capital.
Opportunity for Emirates
Paulo Comelli’s side did not enjoy the kindest introduction to the new season, with matches against Al Wahda and Al Jazira, two teams with title aspirations, among their first three fixtures.
Predictably, Emirates lost both, although they played well enough at home to Wahda to raise hopes of staying in the division beyond this season. Perhaps justifiably, the Ras Al Khaimah club are widely viewed as relegation fodder.
They have another opportunity Tuesday to prove wrong their critics. Emirates host Baniyas, a club in considerable turmoil given coach Luis Garcia’s comments at the weekend, and the home side should relish the encounter. Triumph and they will boast six points from four matches, which is serious cause for optimism.
Having beaten Fujairah in the season opener, Emirates are doing what it takes to survive: defeat the clubs expected to be around them in the table this campaign.
It augurs well.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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