Title favourites clash as Al Wahda host Sharjah

Abu Dhabi: Al Wahda host Sharjah tonight in a crucial league match as both teams seek a win to keep their title hopes alive.

UFL leaders Al Ain face Al Nasr at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai while bottom side Al Khaleej host defending champions Al Shabab.

Both Al Wahda and Sharjah suffered similar defeats to lower opposition last week as they lost to Al Shaab and Ajman respectively due to defensive mistakes and a lack of focus.

The two clubs are among the favourites to win the first professional league in the UAE and both are former champions with a rich history of success.

Al Wahda will be without their right wingback Fahad Masaood and striker Saeed Al Kathiri because of injuries while Tunisian Karim Al Awadi will return to the line up after serving his one match suspension.

Ahmad Abdul Halim, the head coach of Al Wahda, said: "We have worked on the flaws of the last match and I do believe that we did a good job in that respect.

"Our match against Sharjah will be strong and competitive. All the matches this season are crucial and we have to win most, if not all, if we to compete for the title.

"Winning one of the favourites will be a good boost of our players' morale for the next remaining games."

Al Wahda are in fourth place with seven points from four matches while Sharjah are ninth with six.

Brazilian striker Andersson: "We are still one of the favourites to win the title.

Top teams

"We aim to collect four points from our next two matches against Al Wahda and Al Jazira and that will be enough for us to take our place among the top teams."

Asked about his compatriot Jan Carlos who has struggled since arriving at Al Wahda, Andersson said: "He is a good player and has a lot to offer and will be much help to our team but he needs more time to adapt and settle down."

Al Nasr would solve a lot of their problems if they achieved a positive result against Al Ain.

Mohammad Omar, the former UAE and Al Ain striker who plays for Al Nasr, said: "It is always a feat to score against Al Ain. We are ready to do just that."

Today

• Al Wahda vs Sharjah 6pm.
• Al Khaleej vs Al Shabab 6pm.
• Ajman vs Al Dhafrah 6pm.
• Al Nasr vs Al Ain 8 pm