Pedro Emanuel is confident he can save Al Ain from their tailspin when the stumbling giants host Al Dhafra in the Arabian Gulf League’s match-week five.
A heavily deflected, 93rd-minute strike from substitute Fahad Hadeed was required on Tuesday to avoid defeat at struggling Fujairah. This result condemned the ninth-placed Boss to their worst league start in 13 years, ramping up pressure ahead of the Western Knights’ visit to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday.
“I agree with the fans and respect their point of view,” said Emanuel, who is facing crestfallen opposition thumped 5-0 by rampant leaders Sharjah on Tuesday. “We did not expect to score five points only, but the ‘marathon’ in the league is only at the start.”
Elsewhere, Al Jazira will be determined to terminate a 100-per-cent record for a second-successive game when they meet 2018/19 champions Sharjah.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi’s punctured Bani Yas’ perfect start on Tuesday with an impressive 3-1 away win. There was also a debut goal from Nigeria forward Imoh Ezekiel to celebrate.
Sharjah, however, put in their best domestic performance of the season to date versus Dhafra, Brazilian striker Welliton smashing in a hat-trick to move onto eight goals in nine matches since his return from Al Wasl.
“I expect it to be a fun match, and we will go to Jazira’s stadium to return with all the points,” said inspirational King playmaker Igor Coronado. “The two teams are able to score at any moment and our previous victories there came because we prepared well.”
Stung Bani Yas can hope for an instant retort when they meet lowly Ajman, 2019/20 pacesetters Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club will look to prolific Brazilian teenager Igor Jesus to keep bottom-placed Khor Fakkan pointless and snubbed icon Ismail Matar should underline what the UAE are missing when Al Wahda battle Al Wasl.
On-song Al Nasr must reinforce their title credentials when they travel to second-bottom Hatta and Fujairah could escape the drop zone, ahead of the international break, with a first victory of the campaign at Ittihad Kalba.
MATCH-WEEK FIVE FIXTURES
Saturday
18:00 Al Ain v Al Dhafra
18:00 Ajman v Bani Yas
21:00 Al Jazira v Sharjah
Sunday
18:00 Khor Fakkan v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club
18:00 Hatta v Al Nasr
21:00 Ittihad Kalba v Fujairah
21:00 Al Wahda v Al Wasl