The UAE Pro League clubs enter a crucial phase of the season with the start of Matchday 17. This round features intense and decisive matches as the battle for the top spot and promotion spots intensifies, along with the fight to avoid relegation.
The matches of this round will be held over three days, starting this Friday, February 20th, and continuing until Sunday, February 22nd. All matches are scheduled to kick off simultaneously at 9:30 PM, in accordance with the timings of the holy month.
The Al Wahda vs Al Jazira derby headlines the opening round of the UAE league
All eyes are on the highly anticipated match between Al Wahda and their rivals Al Jazira at Al Nahyan Stadium, in the Abu Dhabi derby, which is of great importance to both teams.
Al Wahda enters the match in third place with 30 points and a game in hand, aiming to maintain pressure on the top teams. Al Jazira, meanwhile, sits in fifth place with 25 points and hopes to secure a victory and move closer to the top four.
Historically, the two teams have met 33 times in the Pro League. Al Wahda has won 14 matches compared to Al Jazira’s 9, while 10 matches ended in a draw. These encounters have witnessed a total of 110 goals, with Al Wahda scoring 56 and Al Jazira 54, reflecting the intense rivalry between the two sides.
In another match, Al Dhafra hosts Shabab Al Ahli at Hamdan Bin Zayed Stadium. The home side, currently tenth with 17 points, will be looking for a positive result. Meanwhile, league leaders Shabab Al Ahli, with 38 points, enter the match aiming to extend their lead over second-placed Al Ain, who also have 38 points.
Ajman will also face Sharjah at Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium, in a match where Ajman, currently seventh with 20 points, will be looking to continue their positive run of form. Meanwhile, Sharjah, ninth with 17 points and a game in hand, will be hoping to improve their position in the standings.
The struggle to improve positions on day two
The 17th round of matches continues on Saturday, with Ittihad Kalba facing Dibba in a match where both teams will be looking to improve their standings. Kalba currently sits in 11th place with 16 points, while Dibba is in 13th place with 12 points.
In another match, Al Wasl hosts Al Bataeh, with Al Wasl, currently fourth with 26 points, looking to solidify their position in the top four. Meanwhile, Al Bataeh, in twelfth place with 13 points, hopes to achieve a positive result.
Al Ain faces a crucial test against Bani Yas
The round concludes on Sunday with a highly anticipated match between Bani Yas and Al Ain, as Al Ain seeks to continue its pursuit of the top spot. They currently sit in second place with 38 points. Meanwhile, Bani Yas, languishing at the bottom of the table with 11 points, hopes for a positive result to improve their position.
At the same time, Al Nasr will meet Khorfakkan at Al Maktoum Stadium, in a relatively evenly matched encounter, as Al Nasr occupies sixth place with 21 points, only three points ahead of Khorfakkan, who are in eighth place with 18 points, which increases the importance of the match for both teams.
