Al Ain meet Ajman, Sharjah face Shabab Al Ahli

A fascinating and open encounter awaits on Thursday as Ajman host Al Ain at Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium in Matchweek 7 of the Pro League.

Ajman enter the game in seventh place with nine points, while Al Ain sit firmly at the top of the table with 16 points from six matches. The encounter carries multiple storylines. Ajman aim to return to winning ways after a mixed start to the campaign, while Al Ain look to protect their lead and continue their impressive form at the summit of the standings.

History heavily favours Al Ain in this fixture. The two teams have met 26 times in the professional era, with the leaders winning 20 of those encounters compared to just two victories for Ajman, while four matches have ended in draws. Across these meetings, Al Ain have scored a remarkable 83 goals, with Ajman netting 23.

The top scorers in the history of this matchup are dominated by Al Ain’s stars, Laba Kodjo and Asamoah Gyan lead the list with seven goals each, followed by Soufian Rahimi with six.

Statistically, Al Ain’s start to the season has been one of their best in recent years. Their 16 points from the opening six matches equal their best-ever tally at this stage of a campaign, matching the 2016–17 season, although that year, the title ultimately went to Al Jazira.

Meanwhile, a heavyweight clash is set for Matchweek 7 of the Pro League as Shabab Al Ahli and Sharjah meet at Rashid Stadium on Thursday.

Both teams enter the clash determined to bounce back and climb higher in the standings. Shabab Al Ahli, sitting fifth with 11 points, are seeking to regain their winning rhythm and close the gap to the leaders.

Sharjah, in tenth place with seven points, aim to correct their course after a mixed start to the season and return to the form that made them one of the league’s most consistent contenders in recent years.

The history between the two clubs adds extra intrigue to the encounter. Shabab Al Ahli have enjoyed the upper hand across their previous meetings in the professional era, winning 15 of 30 league encounters, compared to six victories for Sharjah, while nine matches ended in draws.

The Dubai side have scored 41 goals in these matchups, with Sharjah netting 29. Ahmed Khalil remains the all-time top scorer in this fixture with six goals.

Across all competitions in the professional era, Shabab Al Ahli’s dominance continues. In 51 total meetings, they have recorded 25 wins to Sharjah’s seven, with 19 games ending in a draw. This will be the seventh meeting between the sides in 2025, and Sharjah are yet to taste victory this year, with Shabab Al Ahli winning twice and the remaining four fixtures ending in draws.

The statistics underline the hosts’ consistency in recent years. Shabab Al Ahli are unbeaten in their last five ADNOC Pro League encounters with Sharjah, recording two wins and three draws. The pattern is even stronger in October, where the Dubai club have never lost to Sharjah in five league meetings, winning three and drawing twice.