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Al Jazira, Bani Yas and Kalba keep positions

The first week of the second half of the Etisalat Pro-League season have caused some interesting shifts in the standings, with only front runner's Al Jazira, second-placed Bani Yas and Kalba at the bottom of the ladder retaining their previous spots.

Sixteen goals were netted by the 12 squads in this round, with local players scoring 12 goals against four by expatriate players Fernando Bayano (AL Wahda), Robinho (Sharjah), Bare (Al Jazira) and Rodrigo Vergilir of Al Nasr.

The leaders Al Jazira, raised their tally to 32 points following their 2-1 victory over Al Nasr, increasing the difference between them and their closest competitors Bani Yas to 7 points after Bani Yas only managed a 2-2 draw with Al Shabab. It was the first draw for Bani Yas since the start of the Etisalat Pro-League Competition. Al Jazira remain the only team who have not lost a single game - they have won in 10 encounters and drawn twice.

Abu Dhabi-based Al Wahda benefited from the outcome of the last round, as they jumped four places  taking 3rd position after beating Al Wasl 4-0. This saw Al Wasl drop one position to 4th spot. Al Wahda raised their tally to 18 points, a balance which puts them a little bit closer to the two leading teams, particularly given they have a game in hand against Al Ahli due to that Round 9 match being postponed because of their participation in FIFA Club World Cup 2010. This match is now scheduled for February 14.

Al Ain disappointed their fans who were expecting their team to raise their game in order to stay away from the relegation zone. Despite changes to their staff and team line up as well, they failed to beat lowly placed Dubai Club. Al Ain have now won only two games out of 12 since the beginning of the season. They have lost five matches and drawn five, to have 11 points and be sitting second from the bottom. The winners, Dubai Club, moved to 9th place for the first time following their 4th victory..

After losing 10 games, including to Sharjah on the weekend, Kalba remain at the bottom of the table with only four points. They will need to work extra hard in the forthcoming rounds to avoid the relegation zone.

Sharjah, Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Shabab and Al Nasr are sitting in the middle of the table, but a long way from the current leaders Al Jazira.