Al Wahda coach Jose Peseiro has targeted a place in the 2015 AFC Champions League as his side travel to Al Shabab this evening.

The Abu Dhabi club are unbeaten in their last five Arabian Gulf League games, with that run putting them in contention for a top four finish this season.

Wahda arrive in Dubai fifth, and while they are still nine points off their hosts in second, they are only two points off Sharjah above them and five away from Al Jazira in third.

“This match is important to us,” Peseiro said. “In this period, we are as close to joining the four top in the league and the AFC Champions League.

“The competition is bound to intensify until the last round. Al Shabab, Al Jazira and Sharjah are the closest, but the competition will be strong. And do not forget Al Nasr, Al Ain and Baniyas, as well as Al Dhafra, this makes it a strong competition.

“All the teams are still in the competition, but we wish the very least to finish fourth and we hope to play in the Asian Champions League.”

Shabab saw their challenge for the league title flounder last week with a shock defeat at Dubai. Peseiro does not think that result will have any affect on this evening’s game though.

The Portuguese coach is without defender Hussain Fadel for the clash and has doubts over the fitness of Ismail Matar.

Edgar, Adeilson and Carlos Villanueva have all been in fine form this season for Al Shabab, with the two Brazilian forwards hitting 22 goals between them.

Elsewhere, Al Dhafra host Al Shaab looking for a win that will take them into the top half of the table. And Ajman host Dubai, who are four points from safety despite their defeat of Shabab last week.

FIXTURES

Saturday
17:50 Al Shabab v Al Wahda
18:00 Al Dhafra v Al Shaab
20:30 Ajman v Dubai
20:30 Al Wasl v Al Nasr

Sunday
17:50 Al Ain v Bani Yas
17:50 Sharjah v Emirates
20:30 Al Jazira v Al Ahli