Al Ain wary of Kalba on their home turf

Zaltko Dalic during an AFC Champions League match against Tractorsazi Tabriz (Iran).

The Arabian Gulf League enters the half-way stage and It will be an interesting battle on Thursday that will decide which team enter the New Year as the table toppers.
Al Jazira are the leaders with 26 points from 11 matches followed by Al Wasl (26 from 12 matches) and Al Ain after 12 rounds.
The Garden City Club, however, is in a better position, having played less number of matches in the League. Al Ain have 23 points from nine matches. The 'Boss' thrashed Sharjah Club 3-0 in the last match to remain unbeaten in the League.
Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic, however, felt Kalba will prove to be tricky customers in the next match at the Kalba Stadium on Thursday.
"We want to build on our strong results and strengthen position in the points table. Every match is important as we eye the League title," he said at a Press conference on Wednesday.
Kalba held champions Al Ahli in an away match to goalless draw. And Dalic is concerned.
"I am always worried when we face a team that has defensive approach to our game, especially with Kalba managing to get a draw in the last round, which gives them big motivation. They also have good players in midfielder Bakare Kone and striker Modibo Maiga."
Asked about the tactics against Kalba, the Croatian said: "We hope to score early. I always prefer attacking style. But we know the task will not be easy."
Adding to his worries is a list of defenders who will miss the match due to injury. Ismail Ahmed, Mohammed Fayez, Mohamed Ahmed and Saeed Menhali are all likely to miss the match.
"We will miss the best elements in the back line but will work on solutions," he added.
In the second match, Al Dhafra will host Al Jazira. Al Dhafra won the last round match against Hatta while Al Jazira's winning streak was halted by Al Nasr.
Late matches will have Al Wasl taking on Hatta at the Zabeel Stadium while Al Ahli travel to Baniyas.
On Friday, Sharjah host Dibba in the first match and late encounters will see Emirates visit Al Nasr. In another match, Al Wahda and Al Shabab will play at the Al Nahyan Stadium with just one point separating the two sides.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com