Al Ain seek top-four finish in Arabian Gulf League

Dubai - The reigning champions take on Ittihad Kalba on Wednesday

Al Ain can't wait for it to be over soon enough but before this troubled season comes to an end, the Garden City club would be hoping to finish in the top four in the Arabian Gulf League.
The Boss' reign as reigning League champions will come to an end after the four remaining matches, but the record 13-time winners will look to finish well with an eye on qualification for an AFC Champions League spot next season.
They are not out of this season's continental competition just yet, with their slim hopes hanging by a thread but Al Ain would be eager to forget this season in a hurry and start afresh.
Al Ain are currently in fourth with 39 points, with 12 wins, three draws and seven defeats, the latest loss being against Bani Yas. And they take on Ittihad Kalba in the League, at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.
"I still insist that winning the coming match will further improve our spot on the standing table and be in a qualifying position to play in the AFC Asian Champions League 2020," said coach Juan Carlos Garrido.
"I'm aware that the Ainnawi are not happy with the results and performance of the team as they are the fans of a big team. But we are working hard to improve our results," added the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Al Dhafra will have the chance to avenge their President's Cup final defeat when they take on Shabab Al Ahli again on Friday.
League leaders Sharjah are at home to basement dwellers Dibba on Friday night, while Al Jazira take on city rivals Al Wahda on Thursday night.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 
FIXTURES:
WEDNESDAY:
Al Ain vs Ittihad Kalba, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, 6.05 p.m
 
THURSDAY:
Ajman vs Al Wasl, Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, 6.05 p.m
Al Jazira vs Al Wahda, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, 8.45 p.m
 
FRIDAY:
Fujairah vs Emirates, Fujairah Stadium, 6 p.m
Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Dhafra, 6.05 p.m
Sharjah vs Dibba, Khaled bin Mohamed Stadium, 8.45 p.m