APL round 24 focuses on AFC Champions League qualification
The 24th round, starting tomorrow and played over two days, will witness fierce clashes among top-ranking teams vying for spots in next season's AFC Champions League. Shabab Al Ahli has already secured both the league and cup titles, leaving second place as the key qualifying position. At the bottom of the table, teams are also battling to avoid relegation alongside Al Orouba, who are already confirmed to drop to the First Division.
Sharjah vs. Al Ain: Key clash for second place
The round kicks off with a top-tier clash between second-place Sharjah (45 points) and fifth-place Al Ain (37 points) at Sharjah Stadium. Sharjah, still recovering from their loss in the President's Cup final, aim to solidify their hold on second place and secure AFC qualification.
Al Ain coach Vladimir Ivic commented, 'We are not satisfied with our points tally, but we will continue working until the end of the season.'
Shabab Al Ahli host Al Nasr in a bid to finish strong
On Tuesday, newly crowned champions Shabab Al Ahli will host sixth-placed Al Nasr at Al Maktoum Stadium. Following a loss to Al Wasl, coach Paulo Sousa stressed the importance of maintaining focus.
'We must continue fighting until the final whistle, regardless of winning titles,' Sousa said. 'I am proud of what we have achieved.'
Al Wahda aim to solidify third against relegation-threatened Dibba Al Hisn
Third-place Al Wahda (41 points) will take on 13th-place Dibba Al Hisn (16 points) at Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Stadium. Dibba Al Hisn are just one point above last place and desperately need a win to avoid relegation.
Al Wasl face bottom-club Al Orouba
Al Wasl, fourth in the standings with 40 points, will meet bottom-placed Al Orouba (10 points), who are already relegated, in what should be a crucial game for Al Wasl's top-four ambitions.
Al Jazira seek late surge against Al Bataeh
Seventh-placed Al Jazira (33 points) will face 12th-placed Al Bataeh (24 points) at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Al Jazira are still eyeing a jump into fourth place and potential continental qualification.
Bani Yas and Khorfakkan meet in mid-table clash
Eleventh-placed Bani Yas (25 points) will host eighth-placed Khor Fakkan (32 points) in a relatively lower-stakes matchup on Monday, with both teams looking to end the season on a strong note.
Ajman and Ittihad Kalba wrap up the round
Rashid bin Saeed Stadium will host the final match of Round 24 on Tuesday, with tenth-placed Ajman (27 points) taking on ninth-placed Ittihad Kalba (28 points) in a close mid-table encounter.
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'He is a guy who influenced a lot of the football, changed the football. It is a pleasure to play against the team he manages, but I am on the opposite side now, working with my players, with the people in the club, to try and get the best for my team. 'To speak about City, you don't need words to explain. In the last 10 years they win maybe six or seven Premier League titles. It is the best championship in the world. I don't need to speak a lot about them. Anyone who follows football, loves football, knows what Manchester City means today. 'Of course, when you play against the best [teams] you want to give the best of yourself. I am sure my players will give the maximum and try from the first to the last second of the game because it will be a huge challenge.' Guardiola to ring changes at City Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted on the eve of the game that City are looking to offload a number of fringe players. 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