Sharjah look to sign off season with a win

Dubai - The freshly-minted Arabian Gulf League champions take on Emirates in final fixture

They may have put the title to bed with a match to spare, their first in almost a quarter of a century, but Sharjah would be looking to sign off on a winning note when the final fixtures of the season plays out on Saturday and Sunday.
The freshly-minted Arabian Gulf League champions take on relegation threatened Emirates and coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari, who has been busy and the most wanted man in UAE football circles, is eager to wrap up a stellar season, with a victory.
"It is a great feeling to win the League title and it belongs to the club and the fans," Al Anbari said in his pre-match press briefing.
"But we still have one more game to play and it will be a difficult game against a team who are trying to avoid relegation. The club and players celebrated the title but now, we have to focus one last time for our final match of the season," he added.
Al Anbari said it was important to end the season on a high. "We have a strong desire to win our last game of the season. That would be the best way to finish off the season. The players have a sense of responsibility. I'm always optimistic about this group. The players are in good spirits and I'm sure they will enjoy these moments and get us a win," the Emirati said.
Meanwhile, it is a tight tussle for third on the table with Al Ain and Al Jazira fighting it out for the AFC Champions League play-off spot, with Al Wahda too in the mix.
Al Ain currently occupy third with 46 points, with Al Jazira a point behind. Al Wahda are three points adrift of Al Ain and two behind Al Jazira.
Outgoing champions Al Ain go into a straight fight against Al Wahda at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Sunday, while Al Jazira travel to Dubai to face Al Nasr at the Al Maktoum Stadium.
Meanwhile, it is quite interesting at the bottom of the table as well with Dibba, Fujairah and Emirates desperately trying to stay afloat.
Basement dwellers Dibba meet Bani Yas, while Fujairah take on Shabab Al Ahli.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 
FIXTURES (ALL 10 P.M KICK-OFF):
SATURDAY:
Dibba vs Bani Yas, Fujairah Stadium
Emirates vs Sharjah, Emirates Club Stadium
Shabab Al Ahli vs Fujairah, Shabab Al Ahli Stadium
 
SUNDAY:
Al Wahda vs Al Ain, Al Nahyan Stadium
Al Wasl vs Ittihad Kalba, Zabeel Stadium
Al Dhafra vs Ajman, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium
Al Nasr vs Al Jazira, Al Maktoum Stadium