Al Ain and Sharjah are set to renew their historic rivalry in a match that often escapes logic and predictions when they meet at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Matchweek 11 of the ADNOC Pro League.
Fixtures of this magnitude tend to rise above form and league positions, and the Al Ain–Sharjah clash remains one of the competition’s most storied encounters.
The match, scheduled for 2 January 2026, opens the new year with a high-profile contest shaped by history, ambition, and big-game mentality.
Al Ain approach the fixture as league leaders with 23 points, enjoying strong momentum and a firm grip on the title race.
Sharjah, despite sitting 12th with eight points, arrive with renewed confidence following their recent EMAAR Super Cup triumph.
With two games in hand, the King’s side view this match as a turning point and a chance to reignite their league campaign.
The historical record underlines Al Ain’s edge but also reflects the rivalry’s depth.
The two teams have faced each other 30 times in the Pro League era, with Al Ain claiming 14 wins, Sharjah six, and 10 matches ending in draws. Al Ain have scored 95 goals in those meetings, while Sharjah have netted 39.
Recent trends add further intrigue. Al Ain are unbeaten in their last seven league encounters with Sharjah and are currently on a 17-match unbeaten run in the ADNOC Pro League.
Sharjah, meanwhile, boast a strong January record, having gone unbeaten in their last nine league matches played in the month, including five clean sheets.
Individual influence could once again prove decisive. Laba Kodjo has contributed to seven of Al Ain’s last 13 goals against Sharjah, while Caio Lucas has been involved in eight of Sharjah’s last 12 goals in this fixture. Both players share the record as the top scorers in Pro League meetings between the two clubs, with eight goals each.
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