Al Jazira coach Walter Zenga is embracing the challenge of a packed fixture list, ahead of his side playing their fourth game in 11 days when they face city rivals Al Wahda on Saturday evening. 

Jazira have played three away games in a row, in a run which has included Asian Champions League games with Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab and Iran’s Esteghlal, as well as a League Cup semi-final win on penalties against Al Dhafra.

Zenga’s side come into the match with Al Wahda in third place in the Arabian Gulf League, nine points behind leaders Al Ahli. And the Italian coach believes his team are in good condition ahead of the match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in the capital.

“I prefer to play four games in 11 days than one game in one month,” Zenga said. “What we did last week was a great performance.

“We travelled to Saudi Arabia, Al Dhafra and Iran. It is not easy for any team.

“We are satisfied with what we have done. Our strongest point is that in our dressing room we focus on what we want.”

Elsewhere, 10-man Al Shabab kept up the pressure on Al Ahli with a 1-0 victory over Al Dhafra last night.

Edgar Bruno scored the only goal after 56 minutes to move his team, who lost Mahmood Qassim to a straight red card in the first half, to within three points of the top of the table in second.

Sharjah remain fourth after a goalless draw at home to Al Nasr, while Ajman pulled out of the bottom three with a 2-1 victory over Al Shaab.

Mohammed Ahmed fired in the opener after four minutes and Bakari Kone doubled the lead just past the half-hour mark. Al Shaab pulled a goal back soon after through Ahmed Jumaa, but they could not manage an equaliser and remain second from bottom.