Sharjah boss Abdulaziz Al Anbari has challenged his players to take a “step towards safety” against Al Dhafra when the Arabian Gulf League resumes on Friday.

The top-flight has been on a month-long hiatus because of the international break. This weekend sees the clubs head onto the finishing straight with round 22 of 26.

At Sharjah Stadium, a victory for either struggling side would see a significant gap open up to the relegation places. Al Anbari is hopeful his charges will prevail.

He said: “We are optimistic about the next phase. We begin with another important game. “We seek to provide a good level in the next matches and a positive result against Al Dhafra will be a step towards safety.”

Another key game on Friday sees Eid Baroot take charge of Fujairah for the first time in the derby against Dibba Al Fujairah.

The Emirati’s side are three points from safety in 13th. Meanwhile, versatile defender Hazza Salem has declared Al Wasl have five “cup finals” ahead of them to secure AFC Champions League football.

The Cheetahs occupy the third-and-final qualification spot ahead of the trip to Bani Yas, who have Dr Abdullah Misfer making his debut in the dugout after the dismissal of Luis Garcia.

“Bani Yas have a new coach,” said Salem, 26. “We don’t know which players he’ll start with as they are tough team.

“We have to play the upcoming five matches like cup finals. We need three points in each one to reach the AFC Champions League.”