A heavyweight bout between sides in contrasting moods headlines Sunday’s bumper bill of Arabian Gulf League action.
The quintet of fixtures is, undoubtedly, led by resurgent Al Nasr’s hosting of unbeaten champions – and leaders – Sharjah. This enthralling contest at Al Maktoum Stadium has been given an extra edge by midweek events.
The Blue Wave battled back from 2-0 down at Al Ain to draw 2-2 deep into second-half injury time, a result to maintain inspirational new coach Krunoslav Jurcic’s eight-match unbeaten run at the helm. A goalless draw for their imminent opponents, however, versus Bani Yas featured a red card for reigning Foreign Player of the Year Igor Coronado and arm injury for talisman Shahin Abdulrahman.
“The atmosphere is now very positive and morale is high,” said Jurcic. “Everyone is waiting for the next match against Sharjah.”
Elsewhere, Bani Yas and Hatta will fight to creep away from the drop zone.
A draining five draws have dropped the hosts at Bani Yas Stadium down to 10th, where they sit on eight points with promoted Hatta.
Al Ain will scrap to end a rancorous three-match winless run when they meet Ajman, Al Jazira can heap more misery on Fujairah and victory for either Al Dhafra or Ittihad Kalba will propel them into mid-table.
FIXTURES
Sunday
18:00 Al Jazira v Fujairah
18:00 Ajman v Al Ain
18:00 Al Dhafra v Ittihad Kalba
20:30 Bani Yas v Hatta
20:30 Al Nasr v Sharjah
Monday
18:00 Al Wahda v Khor Fakkan
20:30 Shabab Al Ahli v Al Wasl