There are no easy matches in the League: Anbari

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There are no easy matches in the League: Anbari
Sharjah FC coach Abdulaziz Anbari has turned things around for the club. -Courtesy Sharjah FC Twitter

Dubai - Table toppers Sharjah FC take on Emirates

By James Jose

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Published: Wed 12 Dec 2018, 9:23 PM

Last updated: Wed 12 Dec 2018, 11:33 PM

The focus, quite obviously, will be on the FIFA Club World Cup, but action continues in the UAE top flight with the Arabian Gulf League resuming following a break for the President's Cup.
And pace setters Sharjah FC will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the standings when they host Emirates at the Khaled bin Mohamed Stadium on Thursday night.
Known as 'The King,' Sharjah FC have undergone a transformation under coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari and this squad has bought into the former player's philosophy of attacking and exciting football.
And the results are there to show with Sharjah unbeaten and leading the table with 28 points, following eight wins and four draws. But ahead of the visit of Emirates, the team from Ras Al Khaimah who are second from the bottom, Anbari said that there were no easy matches in the League.
"Emirates are a strong team and their position in the League doesn't reflect what they are capable of," Anbari said in his pre-match briefing.
"Our preparations have been going well and it will be a difficult game. But we hope to get positive results and carry on in the same way," he added.
The Emirati said that such fixtures could always prove to be tricky and asked his men to be on guard against the Emirates.
"There are no difficult and easy matches in this season's League. All the teams are keen to provide a strong level without considering their position in the table. The local and foreign players of the different clubs have raised their game. My players are aware of the importance of this match and a win will definitely help us as we head into the break," said the former midfielder.
Anbari said that his side will have to show patience against teams who tend to rely a lot on their defence. "It will be tough against some teams who will look to defend and make it hard for us to play open football. But we have to stay focused and patient and not rush into attacks. We have to play cautiously and maintain our formation so that we don't get hit on the counter. We should be proactive," said the 41-year-old.
Anbari also felt that the good results early in the season has brought about a culture of winning within the team but told his men not to be complacent.
"Sharjah Club are a championship club  and the team's positive results at the beginning of the season has instilled confidence in the players and made them have the culture of winning. But we always warn the players to be calm and deal with it one match at a time," he said.
Sharjah's last League title came in the 1995-96 season with their last piece of silverware being the President's Cup in 2002-03. They finished sixth in the Arabian Gulf League last term.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 
FIXTURES:
TODAY:
Ajman vs Al Dhafra, Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, 4.45 p.m
Bani Yas vs Dibba, Bani Yas Stadium, 4.50 p.m
Sharjah vs Emirates, Khaled bin Mohamed Stadium, 7.30 p.m
FRIDAY:
Ittihad Kalba vs Al Wasl, Kalba Union Sports & Cultural Club Stadium, 4.45 p.m
Fujairah vs Shabab Al Ahli, Fujairah Stadium, 4.45 p.m
Al Jazira vs Al Nasr, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, 7.30 p.m


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