United FC got them in a position where they could take a decisive step towards an unique Promotion, achieving their goal of being the first Private Football Club reaching the UAE’s Top Division – ADNOC Pro League.

A win would get them with 42 points, the 2nd position with a safer point advantage from the other teams competing for Promotion (Al Dhafra is now leading the League with 47 and very comfortable to reach Promotion).

Although the remaining teams fighting for Promotion – Dibba, Al Arabi, Fujairah – are (at the time I’m writing this text) below United FC, the truth is that United is now 2 Games ahead of them all and with a maximum of 2 points advantage from Fujairah.
Dibba has the same points (with 2 Games to play) and Al Arabi is only 1 point less (with the same 2 Games to play).

Therefore, at the minimum, United FC lost (another) opportunity to guarantee a safer position.

The match itself was good, competitive.

2 teams with different approaches and objectives, in different positions at the table but the Game was very much tied in almost all aspects.

United FC tried to control the Game with more possession, mainly on the 2nd half, being able to take the advantage in the midfield to create more chances to score.

They started the Game with their normal GK+4+2+3+1 basic formation, with a small variation to a GK+4+1+4+1 when in possession, allowing Adrien Silva to go further when in possession.

This variation allows the team to use his qualities up on the field, either for assisting of finishing, but ends up taking the Game mainly to the left side of the field, where Samuel Lopes is and where Adrien also navigates more and, eventually, Quincy Promes ends up turning to.

And these 3 players are the main differentiator factor of United FC, they are the ones that create more danger in their individual initiatives.

The good aspect is, naturally, there’s individuals that can turn the Game to United, but also make the team somehow predictable, with less involvement of the side-backs (specially the right-back) and a more rigid structure to avoid counters.

On the other side, Gulf United, a team that until January was only able to get 4 points (win against United and draw against Al Dhaid), has been collecting points since then (10 points in the last 7 matches, including this draw).

They presented a classic GK+4+4+2 formation, with a strong central corridor and fast wingers, opting to defend in a medium-to-low block. 

Some good individuals, within the best I’ve seen at this League, allow them to be competitive and, although with less possession, be dangerous during the entire match.

They ended up scoring a goal by their decisive striker Lars (8 goals in 9 matches) and were always  connected, alive.

I’m curious to see future matches, confirming the qualities observed at this match.

This match was another statement of the progress UAE’s Private-Owned Clubs have been doing in the recent past, with 2 stable teams, with different projects supporting their growth and expansion plans.

Once again, the spectacle was amazing to see, a lot of people at the stands, amazing environment!

For the future?

Well, Gulf United seemed to have a safe distance from Relegation positions. 

However, within the 6 Games remaining for the team, I would say that 3 of them will be decisive, when playing against Masfout, Majd and Gulf FC, 3 of the teams that are directly competing to avoid Relegation, or within similar points.
However, from what I’ve seen, they should be safe and plan for future plans.

Potentially bet to reach UAE’s Top tier ?

For the home team, United FC, they have now only 4 Games ahead of them.

The next 2 of them against 2 direct competitors for Promotion, Fujairah and Al Dhafra, both away.

No need to reinforce the need to get points from all matches and, preferably, to get the 3 points in both matches, gaining an advantage that can be crucial when final maths will be done at the end of the League.

The scenario ahead isn’t perfect, and United has lost a lot of opportunities to distance themselves from direct opposite teams during this League, but the truth is also that they are still in the fight for Promotion!

Although this scenario can change if Dibba or Al Arabi win their matches, they can’t both win all, because they play each other today.

Therefore, we can expect one month full of drama, tears, joy and smiles.

Just to determine who will be crying or celebrating!

What’s your guess?
How have you seen the development of these teams?

Let me know!