Chilean striker Cristian Montecinos is likely to make his debut for Al Wahda today when they travel to Ras Al Khaimah for the sixth stage of the President's Cup preliminary group matches.
The Al Wahda v Ras Al Khamiah match is one of five group matches scheduled for today.
Montecinos has his work cut out for him as he will be looking to compensate for the absence of four key Al Wahda players - Fahd Masood, Abdul Salam and Abdul Rahim Juma and Ismail Mattar - who are currently on national team duty.
The 32-year-old Chilean striker was registered officially in their FA list following a controversy with Emarat club who claimed that they had already signed the player. However, Al Wahda produced an approval letter from Montecinos' previous club Dubai Club, and the UAE FA cleared him to sign for Al Wahda.
Cristian is a talented striker and will be a tremendous addition to the Al Wahda front line. He was the league's top scorer last season with 19 goals although his club was relegated to the second division.
Al Wahda, who won the President's Cup in 2000, are on top of Group B with 10 points from four matches. They will be looking to maintain their top position and qualify for the pre-quarterfinals.
Ras Al Khaimah have won their last two matches following a run of three defeats and will also be looking for a good result against mighty Al Wahda.
In today's other matches in Group B, Deba Fujairah, who have lost all three matches, will host second placed Al Jazira (8 points). The match was scheduled to be played in Jazira, but has been shifted to Fujairah by the FA due to the maintenance in the Jazira stadium. The second round match in January will be held in Jazira.
In Group C, Hatta meet Al Orouba.
In group D Ajman host Masafi and Al Khaleej, who will be looking for their first win, host second division Al Rams in Khor Fakkan.
Tomorrow Al Shabab (9) who lost to Al Ahli last Monday will be looking to compensate for that loss when they host Dubai Club (9).
In the same group, Al Ahli (12) have a good chance to top Group A when they meet Al Hamriya, who have lost all four matches. In the Group's third match Ahli Fujairah meet Al Jazira Al Hammra in Fujairah.
In Group B, Debal Al Hisn (8) meet Al Zaid (2).
In group C leaders Al Wasl (12), unbeaten in four matches, meet Al Arabi of Umm Al Quwain (1), while Bani Yas (4) host Al Ittihad (6).
In group D, Al Dhafra (7) host defending champions Sharjah (12).
Montecinos set for Al Wahda debut at weekend
Chilean striker Cristian Montecinos is likely to make his debut for Al Wahda today when they travel to Ras Al Khaimah for the sixth stage of the President's Cup preliminary group matches.