Sharjah will be looking to make up ground on the league leaders when they take a tricky trip to Abu Dhabi to play Al Dhafra.
Two of the season’s biggest overachievers, Sharjah and Al Dhafra, are fighting in rarefied air this year, sitting above significantly better financed sides like Al Ain and Al Wasl.
The last time today’s opponents went up against one another, Al Dhafra came away from Sharjah with a stunning 3-0 win.
Coach Paolo Bonamigo is very keen to ensure his side do not endure a similar fate this time around.
“Last time we played, we were at a good level but were not at our best and Al Dhafra punished us,” said the Brazilian.
Sharjah’s form remains solid after a blistering start with the northern Emirati side losing just once in its last 12 league fixtures.
The nearest rival to Sharjah is Al Shabab, a team that has lost its grip on second place and who take on struggling Al Wasl on Thursday.
Shabab have a relatively easy schedule coming up with ties against Al Shaab, Ajman, Al Dhafra and Dubai Club.
Al Wasl have won just once in their last six fixtures and coach Hector Cuper is looking to get back on track.
“We have been working extra, intense training sessions to get the team up to the required technical level,” said the Argentine. “We want the players to translate their training performances and the intensity over into the games.”
