After a brief interlude to conclude the group stage of the Arabian Gulf Cup, the UAE's Arabian Gulf League action returns this weekend with all 14 teams back in action.
Al Jazira finished top of their Arabian Gulf Cup group to set up a clash with Al Ahli, and Al Shabab and Al Wasl will fight it out for a place in the final.
As attention moves back to the league, bottom side Emirates host their closest rivals Baniyas in a relegation clash to kick off proceedings at 4.40pm on Friday, with just a point separating the two sides.
Defending champions Al Ahli welcome Kalba to the Rashid Stadium in Dubai at 4.45pm with third-place Ahli determined grab the maximum points as they push to restore solidity to their title defence. They are five points behind leaders Jazira.
The Dubai derby between fifth-placed Shabab and Wasl, who occupy second spot, at the Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium takes places at 8pm.
Wasl recorded an 8-0 win over Dibba in the previous AGL round, but Shabab have suffered a worrying slip in form.
Saturday's fixtures start at 4.40pm with Al Wahda traveling to the Fujairah Stadium to take on Dibba.
Also at 4.40pm, Hatta host Al Dhafra with just a single point separating them in the middle of the standings, albeit with Dhafra having played a game more than their rivals.
The two final fixtures of Round 12 both kick off at 8pm.
Fourth-placed Al Ain host Sharjah at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium as they look to maintain their unbeaten record in the league this season.
League leaders Jazira, another team still in possession of an AGL unbeaten record, will take on inconsistent Al Nasr at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
* Agency
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