Tuesday, Dec 20, 2005
By Sayed Ali, Staff Reporter
Dubai: The first round of the First Division football league will conclude with the games for the 11th stage, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Al Wahda are still in the top spot after having carved out a ruthless 4-1 win over traditional rivals Al Ain last week. The defending champions, however, face a stiff challenge when they meet Sharjah today at the Al Nahyan stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah have been one of the most improved teams this season. They look to stop Al Wahda's winning streak. Currently lying third in the table, Sharjah will be looking to reduce the seven-point gap between themselves and the leaders.
Al Ain, the only team who could make Al Wahda look over their shoulders, are fourth with 15 points and two games in hand. They travel tomorrow to meet Emirates Club in Ras Al Khaimah.
Al Ain have to win their game tomorrow as well as their two postponed matches against Al Ahli and Al Wasl. Should they keep a clean slate in their three outings, the difference between them and Al Wahda would be cut down to four points.
Tuesday's games, teams points in parenthesis:
Al Ahli (15) v Bani Yas (8) kick off 4:50 pm:
Al Ahli scored a resounding win last week when they beat Al Wasl 3-0 with an excellent display by striker Faisal Khalil. Al Ahli will be looking to win today to stay in the hunt. Bani Yas, threatened by relegation, have to work hard to pull themselves away from relegation zone. The match will be the first for Bani Yas' new Slovakian coach Peter Polak following the sacking of German Bernd Crous.
Diba Al Hesn (6) v Al Wasl (7) kick off 7:15 pm:
It is the battle between the bottom two clubs Al Wasl are 11th and Al Hesn 12th. A win for Al Wasl would lift the team's morale. The home team will not be pushovers and will fight hard to leave the bottom place for Al Wasl.
Al Wahda (25) v Sharjah (18) kick off 7:20 pm:
Both teams scored a big win last week. Sharjah crushed Diba Al Hesn (7-0) while Al Wahda beat Al Ain (4-1). The Sharjah strikeforce of Anderson, Al Kass, Al Anbary and Nawaf will keep the Al Wahda defence busy. The home team will be eager to clinch three points to widen the gap between them and their nearest opponents. Metrovic, Moritto and Esmail Mattar will lead Al Wahda's attacks today.
Wednesday's games:
Emirates (10) v Al Ain (15) kick off 4:45 pm:
The match is important for both teams. Al Ain have to catch up with the leaders and the home team will hope to escape relegation. Al Ain will be without defender Humaid Fakher, who is serving a suspension.
Al Nasr (14) v Al Shaab (12) kick off 4:50 pm:
Al Nasr will be looking to compensate their supporters for their recent poor results. They miss defenders Qazim Ali and Mohammad Khamis both collected red cards. Al Shaab, who scored a win last week by beating Emirates 2-0, are willing to fight and snatch a point.
Al Jazira (19) v Al Shabab (14) kick off 7:25 pm at Zayed Sports City stadium:
Following three defeats in four matches, Al Jazira recovered to win their last two games and stay behind Al Wahda. A win will reduce the deficit if Al Wahda lose against Sharjah. Al Shabab, who were celebrating their first win over Al Nasr in seven years last week, will be eager to continue in the same vein by returning with three points.
Gulf News 2005. All rights reserved.
