Historic rivalries and the battle at the top headline Matchweek 15 of the ADNOC Pro League, as three heavyweight fixtures promise high intensity, rich history, and decisive moments in the race for leading positions.
The matchweek opens on Thursday with the iconic Bur Dubai Derby, as Al Nasr host Al Wasl at Al Maktoum Stadium with kick-off at 17:25.
Both sides approach the encounter with clear motivation, as Al Nasr look to rediscover consistency from sixth place with 19 points, while Al Wasl aim to strengthen their push near the top of the table, currently sitting fourth with 25 points.
The derby has long been one of the league’s most balanced rivalries, with 33 previous league meetings producing 13 wins for each side and seven draws.
Al Nasr have scored 51 goals in those encounters, compared to 46 for Al Wasl, while Fabio Lima leads the derby’s all-time scorers with eight goals.
Later on Thursday, attention shifts to Sharjah, where the hosts welcome league leaders Shabab Al Ahli at 20:00.
Sharjah, seventh on 17 points, see the fixture as a major opportunity to climb the standings, while Shabab Al Ahli are eager to further cement their position at the summit, having collected 35 points so far.
Historically, Shabab Al Ahli hold the advantage in league meetings between the two sides, winning 16 of their 31 encounters, compared to six victories for Sharjah, with nine matches ending level.
However, recent February meetings have favoured Sharjah, who have won the last three league clashes in that month without conceding a goal.
The third major clash arrives on Friday night, as Al Jazira host Al Ain at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium at 20:00.
Al Jazira enter the match in fifth place with 22 points, while Al Ain sit second on 34 points, ensuring a showdown that defies predictions despite the gap in the standings.
Both sides will be driven by the desire to claim three crucial points in a fixture traditionally known for its competitiveness.
In the pro league history, the teams have met 33 times, with Al Jazira holding a narrow edge of 13 wins to Al Ain’s 12, alongside eight draws.
Send feedback
