Al Wahda and Shabab Al Ahli will light up Matchweek 2 of the ADNOC Pro League when they clash on Saturday night at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with kick-off set for 20:30.
This will be the 33rd encounter between the two sides in the professional era, a rivalry that holds the league record for most draws, with 13. Their recent encounters have been especially explosive, producing 32 goals in the last seven games, 17 for Shabab Al Ahli and 15 for Al Wahda, at an average of 4.6 goals per match.
Both teams enter the game on the back of opening-day victories. Al Wahda defeated Ajman and are aiming for back-to-back wins at the start of the season for the sixth time in their history, and for the second year running.
Shabab Al Ahli, who overcame Al Dhafra in their first match, are chasing a perfect start for the third consecutive season.
The battle will also be fought on the sidelines between two Portuguese tacticians. José Morais, leading Al Wahda, brings vast experience across Arab and North African football.
Paulo Sousa, who guided Shabab Al Ahli to a historic quadruple last season, will aim to extend his side’s dominance and maintain their momentum.
The numbers underline the depth of the rivalry. In 32 Pro League meetings, Shabab Al Ahli have won 13 times, Al Wahda six, with 13 draws.
Shabab Al Ahli triumphed in their first two visits to Al Nahyan Stadium but have failed to win there in 14 subsequent matches, with nine draws and five defeats. Notably, the last seven league encounters at Al Nahyan have all ended level.
Omar Khribin has been a key figure, scoring six goals for Al Wahda against Shabab Al Ahli and once for Shabab Al Ahli against Al Wahda. Grafite remains the top scorer in this fixture with eight goals, followed by Khribin with seven.
Overall, Shabab Al Ahli have scored 58 goals against Al Wahda in the ADNOC Pro League, while Al Wahda have found the net 46 times against their rivals. Saturday’s clash promises intensity, goals, and tactical battles as both clubs look to keep their winning runs alive in the new season.
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