AGL Derbies fly in thick and fast as Wahda meet Jazira

CHEETAHS: Al Wasl host Al Ain at the Zabeel Stadium on Thursday night. - Twitter

Dubai - The Clarets host the Pride of Abu Dhabi, while Al Wasl square off against Al Ain

The Derbies are flying in thick and fast, it seems. After last weekend saw the Oud Metha Derby between Al Nasr and Al Wasl being played out, it's now the turn of the UAE capital to savour one.
Perennial rivals down the road - Al Wahda and Al Jazira - will aim to serve a sumptuous treat when the two clubs square-off in the second week Arabian Gulf League on Friday night.
And apart from the bragging rights on offer, the two will be eager to make the climb on the League table. Al Jazira are second on the table to Shabab Al Ahli on goal difference, while Al Wahda are languishing in 11th following a shock defeat to Fujairah.
But the Derby isn't the only blockbuster fixture of the week with fans in for a double treat as Al Wasl host Al Ain at the Zabeel Stadium on Thursday night.
And Al Ain coach Ivan Leko said that he has worked on rectifying the slew of errors that had seen them concede two goals to Ittihad Kalba.
"We have worked to correct the mistakes that we committed against Kalba," Leko said in his pre-match briefing.
"I was unhappy that we conceded two goals, especially in our stadium, and in front of our fans. Al Wasl are strong opponents and they did well against Al Nasr even though the match ended in a draw. But I'm confident in the ability of my players to provide a strong performance," he added.
With Al Wasl bursting with talent in the formidable Fabio de Lima, Welliton Soares, Fernando Gaibor and Ali Saleh, Leko said it was important to focus on teamwork and make the quick transition from attack to defence and vice versa.
"I always prefer open play in football games, because it is the most exciting even for the fans. Our goal is always to win and we will strive to do that," said the 41-year-old Croatian.
Caio Canedo will miss out on going up against his former employers with the midfielder absent due to injury.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 

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