League round-up: Sharjah v Al Bataeh, Al Nasr v Shabab Al Ahli, Al Jazira v Al Dhafra
Group A leaders Al Bataeh face a difficult test away to holders Sharjah in round four of the preliminary stage.
Al Bataeh face a difficult test in defending their lead at the top of Group A when they travel to holders Sharjah on Tuesday, in round four of the preliminary stage of the men's general league.
Also in Group A, Shabab Al Ahli host Al Nasr, while Al Jazira host Al Dhafra and Al Ain meet Al Wahda in Group B.
Al Bataeh, on five points, are looking to confirm their claim on top spot with a third win that would take them to seven. Sharjah want the points to climb to fifth and move within range of the lead, particularly as second-placed Shabab Al Ahli face a hard test against third-placed Al Nasr, who have three points.
In the Group B fixtures, Al Wahda and Al Dhafra, who share top spot on two points, are both after a second win, since a slip by either would allow the other to lead outright. Their ambitions run into those of Al Jazira and Al Ain, who want a first win and a way into the contest at the top.
Under the 2020/21 format the preliminary stage is played as a group league organised on geographical lines, with the federation placing the Dubai and Sharjah clubs — holders Sharjah and runners-up Shabab Al Ahli, alongside Al Bataeh, Al Nasr and Al Wasl — in Group A.
Group B contains the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra clubs: Al Jazira, Bani Yas, Al Wahda, Al Dhafra and Al Ain. The top three in each group advance to the quarter-finals, while the fourth and fifth-placed teams in each group enter an additional round at the close of the preliminary stage to decide the two sides completing the last eight.
