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Al Wasl and Al Jazira struggle for sole leadership

Round 7 of the Etisalat Pro-League, due to kick off this evening, will be played over only two days instead of the usual three in order to give the UAE Olympic team more time to prepare ahead of their participation in the forthcoming Asian Games.

Dubai and Bani Yas are set to open the program at Dubai's stadium in Al Aweer, with kick off at 5:05pm. The home squad is facing a critical situation after losing all six matches played so far to be at the bottom of the table. They will need to intensify their efforts if they have any chance of beating third-placed Bani Yas, who are currently on 12 points and are keen to continue their successful march after beating Al Ain 3-0 last week for the first time in 14 seasons.

Dubai-based clubs Al Nasr and Al Ahli face a crucial game when they meet at Al Maktoum Stadium today at 5:05pm. Al Nasr will be looking to compensate for their two successive losses, first to Sharjah 1-2 in Round 5 and then to Al Wahda 0-2 in the last round. Whilst their opponents Al Ahli have recently enjoyed two wins, against Al Ain 2-1 and Dubai 3-1. The hosts have beaten Dubai 3-1 and Al Shabab 3-2 but have lost four games since the start of the competition, collecting only six points placing them in 10th position. Al Ahli has won three games, drawn twice and been beaten only once to Al Dhafra 0-2 to see them in 5th place with 11 points.

Defending champions Al Wahda will face a tough game when they play hosts Sharjah at 8pm this evening. The visitors are in 4th position with 11 points, just ahead of tonight's rivals Sharjah who are on 10 points. Al Wahda maintained the biggest win in the Etisalat Pro-League so far when they overcame Dubai 5-0 in the 5th round followed by a 2-0 win over Al Nasr last week. The visitors will play their first game under the guidance of their caretaker coach Hatim Al Suwais after their ex-Brazilian coach Tete resigned this week to move to Brazilian Club Corinthians. Their newly-signed coach Josef Hickersberger will lead the team from the next round.

The 7th round of the Etisalat Pro-League will conclude tomorrow with three matches. Al Ain play at home against Al Dhafra, Al Shabab hosts Kalba and Al Jazira will meet current leaders Al Wasl at Al Jazira's home ground. Both Al Ain and Al Dhafra lost their last matches last week - Al Ain 0-3 to Bani Yas and Al Dhafra 0-1 to Al Jazira. Al Ain are currently in 8th position with eight points while their rivals are in the 9th place with six points. Al Shabab will be looking for three more points at home after stunning Sharjah 3-0 last week, while the visitors will hope to snatch their first victory after losing five games and drawing one against Al Ahli. Both matches kick off at 5:05pm.

The big match of the second day is a top of the table clash against Al Jazira and Al Wasl at 8pm. Al Wasl are on top of the table with 15 points and will be hoping to preserve their successful march up the ladder with a win to increase the difference to four points. At the same time, hosts Al Jazira will be fighting hard to take three points to regain the leadership.