Al Wasl boss Rodolfo Arruabarrena has warned his players if they underperform once again versus Al Dhafra that an upset could occur.

The Cheetahs began their 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League-campaign with a disappointing 3-1 loss at Al Jazira, which could have been even heavier. The Western Knights are up next in the Argentine boss’ first top-flight match at home and he hoped to see the good form from their pair of Arabian Gulf Cup-triumphs resurface.

“Al Dhafra is different from Al Jazira defensively and offensively, we have to find new ways to beat them,” the ex-Boca Juniors left-back said. “What matters the most for me is how we are going to play.

“If we play the same way we played against Al Jazira, the match will be very difficult. If we build on our performance in the Arabian Gulf Cup matches, then I believe the three points will be closer to our team.”

Meanwhile, Bani Yas midfielder Mark Milligan has warned the division to watch out for his budding partnership with Fellipe Bastos.

The Sky Blues welcome Dibba Al Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, a week after their narrow 1-0 loss to runners-up Al Ain. That game was the first time the Australia star and the Brazilian had lined up in competitive action and Milligan was expecting a blossoming relationship to develop.

He said: “The new players have got the atmosphere of the team quickly and they will be benefiting the club for now and for the future. Especially players like Bastos.

“He is a very professional player and I am very happy to play next to him. We hope we will be a good duo together this season.”