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Dubai: The Etisalat first division league's 14th stage kicks off today with three matches: Sharjah versus Al Wahda, Al Dhafra versus Emirates and Al Wasl versus Al Ain.
Following are a look at today's matches (teams & points in parenthesis).
Sharjah (19) vs Al Wahda (13), kick off: 5:35 pm.
Both clubs sacked their coaches last week and have appointed caretaker coaches: Sharjah appointing Tunisian Wajdy Al Said while Al Wahda has Egyptian Ahmad Abdul Halim. Both teams are in need of winning three points after heavy defeats they received in the league.
Al Dhafra (13) v Emirates (9), kick off: 5:35 pm.
The visitors are at the bottom of the table and have to work hard if they are to stay in the first division. Al Dhafra can be a tough nut to crack when playing at home, and a win today will secure them from the drop zone.
Al Wasl (17) v Al Ain (17), kick off: 8:10 pm.
After beating Sharjah 4-0 in the President's Cup semifinals last Friday, Al Wasl are eager to continue in the same vein. Al Ain, meanwhile, looking to return to their winning ways following poor form in the league and President's Cup.
Tomorrow's matches:
Al Shaab (25) v Al Nasr (18), kick off: 5:35 pm.
The home team, who lost two points against Emirates last week, are looking to compensate by winning tomorrow to stay in the title-hunt. Al Nasr is the most developed team in recent matches under Croatian coach Luka Bonacic, who took them to shores of safety from bottom.
Al Jazira (24) v Hatta (13), kick off: 5:35 pm.
Al Jazira lost three matches in their last five outings and have to win today if they are to compete for the league title. Hatta are not an easy team to beat and have a good away record.
Al Shabab (28) v Al Ahli (21), kick-off: 8:15 pm.
Table toppers Al Shabab will be looking for revenge against Al Ahli, who beat them last Friday in the President's Cup semifinals. A win today will keep them in top place as they are looking to add the third league title in their CV.
The match is very important as well for Al Ahli.
Fixtures
Thursday: Sharjah v Al Wahda; Al Dhafra v Emirates; Al Wasl v Al Ain.
Friday: Al Shaab v Al Nasr; Al Jazira v Hatta; Al Shabab v Al Ahli.
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