Gulfnews - Abu Dhabi, The second round of the UAE's first division soccer league kicks off today with four strong matches as the competition becomes more fierce with teams seeking to win the title or escape the threat of relegation.

Al Wahda, leaders with 31 points from 13 matches, will host Al Ittihad while second placed Al Ain will travel to Sharjah. Third-placed Al Jazira host Al Shaab while lowly ranked Dubai and Al Dhafrah will battle for survival.

Today's matches

Al Wahda (31) v Al Ittihad (11) at 5:30 pm

While Al Wahda are determined to continue their sole leadership of the competition, Al Ittihad are keen to win three points in order to get away from the relegation zone. The two teams ended their first round match in a 1-1 tie.

Dubai(8) v Al Dhafrah (9) at 5:25 pm

Dubai and Al Dhafrah are the last two teams in the standings. Dubai are high on morale following last week's win over Al Shaab, while Al Dhafrah are still missing the brilliance of their injured playmaker Mohammad Salim.

Winning today's match might mean six points because it will be against a competitor in the relegation zone.

Emirates (12) v Al Wasl (14) at 7:40 pm

Emirates beat Al Dhafrah in their last match while Al Wasl lost to Al Wahda. For the first time in their history Al Wasl are near the relegation zone. If Iranian striker Ali Redha returnsto the team today, they will be favourites to win.

Sharjah (20) v Al Ain (28) at 7:45 pm

Both teams cannot afford to lose a single point because even a draw will hinder their attempts to close the gap between them and Al Wahda, especially Al Ain, who are second. Sharjah lost their first round encounter 3-1.

Tomorrow's matches

Al Khaleej (12) v Al Nasr (22) at 5:20 pm

Al Khaleej are a difficult team to beat at home. They have always scored good results against Al Nasr. Their first round match ended in a 2-2 tie.

Splitting the two points might not help Al Nasr, but it will help Al Khaleej whose aim is to escape relegation.

Al Jazira (27) v Al Shaab (20) at 5:30 pm

Al Jazira are third, one point behind Al Ain. They won the first round match 2-1 and they have to repeat the feat in order to stay in the chase behind the leaders.

Al Shaab lost last week to Dubai and are going through a difficult phase since the absence of their central defender Rashid Abdul Rahman.

Ahli (20) v Al Shabab (22) at 7:40 pm

Ahli started the season strongly and defeated Al Shabab 5-0 but their results deteriorated. Al Shabab started poorly but found their form recently.