The last 16 of the President’s Cup kicks into action on Friday, when Arabian Gulf League clubs join the competition. The day’s fixtures, to be played at neutral venue, are as follows.
Al Wahda v Al Wasl (Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, Ajman)
Two teams chasing third spot in the Arabian Gulf League meet in Ajman, with both in decent form. Wahda, in fifth, have won three of their past six matches, while fourth-placed Wasl have won three from five. Wahda have proved their knockout credentials already this season, with the Arabian Gulf Cup final to come on April 1.
Emirates v Fujairah (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Ain)
Both sides should have eyes on avoiding relegation, with Emirates ranked 11th and Fujairah currently residing in the drop zone. However, the cup provides some much-needed relief from their respective league campaigns, especially for Fujairah, who have lost their past four matches. One of those was to Emirates, 3-1, earlier this month.
Al Ahli v Ajman (Emirates Club Stadium, RAK)
Last year’s beaten finalists have been handed a favourable draw, although they will know enough about Ajman: the Division One club were relegated from the top flight last season. Ahli have contested the past three Cup finals, losing in 2014 and 2015. Last year’s penalty defeat to Al Nasr still rankles; Ahli were two minutes from lifting the trophy in normal time.
Dibba v Al Shaab (Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium, Sharjah)
The match pits against one another the two sides everyone expected this season to get relegated from the Arabian Gulf League. However, while Shaab have lived up to expectations and are cut adrift at the bottom, Dibba have been a surprise success and currently sit ninth in the table. On Sunday, Shaab parted company with manager Walter Zenga.
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