International football lecturer Omar Al Hammadi predicted that the current edition of the ADNOC Pro League will be “the strongest and most exciting in the history of the competition,” emphasizing that early indicators during the first two rounds reflect an unprecedented rise in competition level.

Al Hammadi told “Emarat Al Youm” that “this edition will be a turning point in the journey of professional football in the UAE,” expecting many surprises in both the top and bottom races.

He added: “The physical and technical preparations made by clubs, along with distinguished signings of players and coaches, contributed to raising the technical level of the championship since its start.”

He pointed out: “This season is different from the past three seasons, where the title was decided early and the championship lost its excitement and enjoyment. This season’s indicators confirm that the title race may extend until the last round, with competition expected among Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Wahda, and Sharjah clubs, which signals a strong battle.”

He explained: “The technical gaps between most clubs have significantly narrowed, making matches more difficult and valuable,” considering each match like a mini final.

Regarding excluding both Al Jazira and Al Nasr from title contention, he said: “Al Jazira will face real difficulties competing this season, despite their recent win over Sharjah,” noting that the club did not deal optimally with Moroccan coach Hussein Amouta since last season.

He added: “As long as there was no full confidence in the coach’s abilities, it would have been better to allow him to leave to coach the Iraq national team, rather than bear the consequences of technical and financial dismissal after only one league round.”

He noted: “The arrival of a new coach, regardless of experience, will not serve the club’s short-term plans, as time is not on their side. The team has good player talents, but competitors will not wait and will continue to progress steadily, making Al Jazira’s chances in the competition almost nonexistent.”

He continued: “Al Nasr has a team being prepared for the future, but it lacks the same tools and expertise available in other teams. Nevertheless, I do not rule out that they could be in the top four or fifth place in the worst case.”

In evaluating the promoted teams, Al Hammadi praised the performance of Al Dhafra and Dibba, confirming they appeared with high spirit and tactical discipline preventing them from playing the role of the “weakest link,” as he described it. He added: “The promoted-relegated pattern will not repeat this season, which may put some established clubs at risk if they do not address their situations early.”

He added: “It will be more complicated this season, as it may include teams with a long history in the league, not just the promoted ones.”

He explained: “Direct confrontations will be decisive, and any underestimation may put big clubs in a difficult position.”

Al Hammadi expressed concerns about the impact of FIFA international breaks and their negative reflections on the league’s rhythm, saying: “Stopping the league after two rounds and then stopping again breaks the positive momentum that the season started with. I would have preferred the national team gathering to be limited to the last stage before the qualifiers, with two matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, to ensure maximum benefit without harming the league’s progress.”

He confirmed that the national team’s interest remains a top priority, but stressed the need to find a balanced equation between preparing the national team and maintaining the league’s strength, especially since the competition’s strength is fundamental to developing local players’ level.