Al Wasl are still on course for a top-five Arabian Gulf League finish, according to ever-optimistic coach Gabriel Calderon.

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The Cheetahs have enjoyed a steady recovery since the Argentine took over in October, climbing the standings after Jorginho’s disastrous reign. 

They come into tonight’s game at bottom-placed Ittihad Kalba in eighth, among a clutch of teams scrapping to usurp fifth-placed Al Nasr who are only four points ahead.

Calderon has consistently maintained his troops are up for the task, making no exception before the clash at Kalba Club Stadium.

“My main focus for now is to maintain the stability in our performance so we can play well and get better results,” said Calderon, whose side drew 2-2 with the Blue Wave and thrashed Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli 4-0 in their last two fixtures.

“But in general, I think we are able to get the fourth or fifth.

“We lost some points because of individual mistakes and we have to work on that too.”

Nasr should be in line for three points themselves, the Arabian Gulf Cup holders hosting second-bottom Ajman.

Despite their opponents’ lowly position, Blue Wave boss Ivan Jovanovic was wary of their challenge after they claimed a goalless draw with champions Al Ahli before the two-week break for the AFC Champions League.

He said: “As a coach, I respect Ajman a lot and it is a team fighting to stay in the league.

"I’m sure they will fight with us the way they did against Al Ahli.

"Games against Ajman are always difficult, but we need these three points and we will try our hardest to win them.”