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Dubai: Former champions Al Ahli could take the top spot in the 2007-2008 etisalat UAE National Football League when they play host to defending champions Al Wasl in tonight's Dubai derby.
A win will take Al Ahli to the top along with current leaders Al Shabab on 35 points but with superior goal difference.
Al Jazira and Sharjah -both with 32 points - are still in with a mathematical chance of winning the title.
Al Wasl secured a hard-fought 3-2 win at home against Al Ahli in the first round encounter.
But since winning the President's Cup last month, Al Ahli have been on a roll beating title contenders Sharjah 3-1 last Monday.
The Red Devils know things will not be easy as they take on the defending champions, who will be out to avenge last month's President's Cup final defeat.
The game has been delayed by one from week 15 of the competition.
"It will be similar to the President's Cup final for sure, more so because both teams are missing key players for this match," admitted Al Ahli coach Ivan Hasek.
Al Ahli have been hit in defence, but Assuncao did well last week against Sharjah when asked to replace the injured Mohammad Qasim.
Al Wasl will, no doubt, feel the absence of their Brazilian trio of Alexandre Oliveira, Rogerio and Andre Dias.
"Al Wasl is always a dangerous team even without some of their players," Hasek said.
"We are taking one match at a time, and as we go into this game we are looking at the three points we can take to go to the top," the Czech added.
In other action, Al Wahda will be eager to carry on their winning ways as they host Al Shaab in an earlier game in Abu Dhabi.
A win will move the capital team further away from relegation.
They are currently in tenth with 18 points ahead of Emirates Club (14) and Hatta (13).
After temporarily leading the standings, Al Shaab have now slipped to sixth place with 27 points.
Their first round match ended in a 2-2 draw.
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