Al Nasr coach Ivan Jovanovic has challenged his troops to bank the feel-good factor from their Arabian Gulf Cup double and use it to halt an awful start in the top flight.

Much was expected of the reshaped Blue Wave when the Arabian Gulf League kicked off last month, but a side containing ex-France midfielder Yohan Cabaye slipped to a disappointing opening 1-0 home loss to Ajman.

The international break then witnessed a morale-boosting pair of wins in the Cup against Emirates Club and Al Ain.

“Despite the differences in the competition and the different motivations of each team, winning two-consecutive matches gives the players more confidence to correct the poor start against Ajman in the first round,” said Jovanovic, whose team travels to Sharjah on Friday.

“Every game is a new test for the team. Our ambition is always to win.

“We have to fight in every game to continue the victories and invest momentum that the team has earned.”

Friday’s other fixtures are headlined by an early relegation battle between promoted Ittihad Kalba and visitors Emirates.

FIXTURES

Friday

17:35 Ittihad Kalba v Emirates Club

17:35 Dibba Al Fujairah v Al Wahda

20:15 Bani Yas v Al Wasl

20:15 Sharjah v Al Nasr

Saturday

17:35 Al Ain v Al Dhafra

17:40 Al Jazira v Fujairah

20:15 Ajman v Shabab Al Ahli