Dubai: Sharjah will host cellar-placed Al Dhafra in Thursday’s only encounter of fourth round action of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL).
Sharjah, who have three points against their name — thanks to their 4-0 rout of debutants Hatta in Round 2 — will be looking to shrug off the indifferent form that saw them going down 0-3 against Al Jazira last week. Though faring well in the Arabian Gulf Cup this season, Al Dhafra is the only team that is yet to have a point in the AGL so far following losses to Al Nasr, Al Wasl and Al Wahda.
However, Al Dhafra’s results in the Arabian Gulf Cup have been encouraging with three wins from four matches to stay in second position in Group A, and a chance to qualify for the semi-final with one game in hand.
The match of the week will, however, be Al Ain travelling to the Maktoum Stadium in Dubai to meet Al Nasr in the only encounter slotted for October 23. Zlatko Dalic’s boys, who booked their place in the final of the AFC Champions League earlier this week, have been given an additional day to recover from their hard-fought 5-3 semi-final win against El Jaish, Qatar.
Al Ain is one of four teams who are still unbeaten in the league, while Al Nasr has just three points following their 4-2 away win against Al Dhafra in the opening week of the league.
Other matches to watch out for are leaders Al Shabab travelling to Ras Al Khaimah to take on Emirates Club, while new entrants Kalba will host second-placed Al Jazira and Al Wasl — who came up with a deserving 2-1 win against neighbours Al Nasr last week — and will travel to Abu Dhabi to take on Al Wahda, on Friday.
On Saturday, Bani Yas will play Hatta in the early game, while undefeated Al Ahli will host Dibba in the late night match at 8pm.
FIXTURES
(October 20) Sharjah v Al Dhafra 8pm
(October 21) Emirates v Al Shabab 5pm; Kalba v Al Jazira 5pm; Al Wahda v Al Wasl 8pm
(October 22) Bani Yas v Hatta 5.05pm; Al Ahli v Dibba 8pm
(October 23) Al Nasr v Al Ain 8pm
