Al Arabi, formed in 1952, are in search of their first title since ’97 when they won the League and Crown Prince Cup double. The team, which has a strong fan base, suffered a big reverse last season when they lost 1-10 to Al Sadd. After that, they really shifted gears, approach and personnel. Five consecutive wins gained them some momentum and after roping in Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson – their third of the season – they were able to finish in a respectable position. Under Hallgrimsson, who guided Iceland at the ’18 Russia World Cup, the team looks well-settled. They are playing flowing football, and that should captivate the fans.
