Action from the AGL match between Al Shabab and Dibba recently.
BANI YAS - The Sky Blues have cruised through in the opening games and were even the League's pace setters, before settling down in third.
Published: Sat 26 Sep 2015, 12:00 AM
Last updated: Mon 28 Sep 2015, 11:29 AM
Ever since their return to the UAE top flight, Bani Yas have generally flattered to deceive. Unlike most other sides who made it through Division 1, the Sky Blues have impressed and have stayed since the 2009-10 season.
But Bani Yas have not reached the top step and the closest that they came was in the 2010-11 season, their second season in the top flight, when they finished runners-up to Al Jazira.
That could change though, this term. Armed with some astute signings, Bani Yas again look a strong side who can mix it up with the big guns. And they have started well. Whether they can maintain that is open to question.
The Sky Blues have cruised through in the opening games and were even the League's pace setters, before settling down in third.
They began with a 2-0 away win over Arabian Gulf League newcomers Al Shaab after which they blanked another promoted side Dibba Al Fujairah 3-0 to be perched on the top. But a 3-3 draw away to Al Fujairah has seen them go down to third.
Still early days but their first stiff test comes in the form of Al Shabab, whom they host at the Bani Yas Stadium in Al Shamkha on Saturday night.
Luis Garcia's men have so far been impressive and their summer signings have stood up well. Argentine Joaquin Larrivey, who joined from La Liga side Celta Vigo, leads the top goal scorers' list with five, while teammate Algerian international Ishak Belfodil, who came from Serie A side Parma, has three.
The Sky Blues also have Australian international Mark Milligan and they also signed up former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe. And with local talents such as Amer Abdulrahman, Haboush Saleh as well as Mohamed Jaber and Yousef Jaber, they have the side to go all the way.
But this side will be tested by a strong Al Shabab on the morrow.
The Hawks opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Al Sharjah after which they returned with a hard-fought solitary goal win over Al Wahda. But they had to endure a goalless draw against Dibba Al Fujairah, last time out.
And Caio Junior's men will be hoping to return to Dubai with all the three points.
james@khaleejtimes.com
KICK-OFF:
Bani Yas vs Al Shabab, Bani Yas Stadium, 5.30 p.m
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