Abu Dhabi: The 20th week of the UAE Pro-League (UFL) kicks-off tonight with all six matches starting at the same time to ensure fair play among competitors.
While Al Jazira has already secured the title and Al Dhafra dropped down to the lower division, the battle is still on for the second seat in the amateur division and for the top seats and the AFC Champions League next year.
Pushing for second
Al Jazira, the defending champions, will host Al Shabab who are in their best form and looking to consolidate their third place and further make a push for second place.
Al Jazira are looking to better their domestic record of continuous league matches without a loss after they have gone 27 matches so far. The last matches of the champions will be in honour of their head coach Brazilian Abel Braga who will leave the club at the end of the season after leading them to 1 double.
Second placed Bani Yas, with 34 points, will host Sharjah, 8th with 23, after the latter fired their Portuguese coach Manuel Cajuda last week.
Bani Yas has also announced that they have signed a deal with Brazilian Veiera for the new season as their caretaker coach Mehdi Ali will return to lead the UAE Olympic Team at the end of the season.
Al Wasl, another team fighting for a top place, will host Dubai, who are fighting to escape relegation. Al Wasl are fourth with 28 points, one behind Al Shabab while Dubai are placed ninth with 23 one above Al Ain.
Reigning champions Al Wahda, will travel to Dubai to face Al Ahli as both teams have still a chance of finishing among the top four with Al Wahda placed fifth with 27 points and Al Ahli 7th with 26.
Al Dhafra, who have already being relegated, will host Al Nasr, sixth with 26 points, in a match which means more to the visitors who want to advance and compete for a seat in the continental competition.
Fixtures
- Al Jazira vs Al Shabab.
- Bani Yas vs Sharjah.
- Al Ittihad vs Al Ain.
- Al Wasl vs Dubai.
- Al Ahli vs Al Wahda.
- Al Dhafra vs Al Nasr.
- All the matches kick off at 7:50 pm.
