AL SHARJAH (Interstat) — Sharjah will host Al Dhafra on Thursday in a League Cup match at Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, with the home side seeking its first win of the season and the visitors trying to steady a difficult campaign across all competitions.

Sharjah enters the fixture at 0-1 overall. Its only match this season ended in a 3-2 loss at Ajman. Goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani is a player to watch for Sharjah after playing 90 minutes in that defeat. Defenders Maro Katinić and Leandrinho also logged 90 minutes and were among the team’s most productive players in the match. Sharjah will look to use home advantage at Sharjah Stadium, where it will meet Al Dhafra in the League Cup.

Al Dhafra arrives at 1-5 across all competitions. The visiting side’s most recent result was a 3-1 loss to Baniyas, a match in which Eisa Ahmed was listed as goalkeeper and Dramane Koumaré and Abdulla Al Karbi were listed as defenders among its most productive players. Al Dhafra’s lone win this season came in a 2-1 result at Hatta. Its other defeats include a 1-0 home loss to Al Wahda, a 2-0 loss at KhorFakkan, a 2-0 loss at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and a 3-1 home loss to Sharjah.

The League Cup in the United Arab Emirates gives both clubs a chance to reset amid league and cup commitments. The competition is organized as a cup tournament, and both sides will be looking to use the match to build confidence and sharpen their form. Sharjah has played only once this season, making Thursday’s match an early opportunity to establish rhythm. Al Dhafra has already played six matches and will try to carry any positive moments from recent performances into the away fixture. Al Dhafra will be without the benefit of home support, while Sharjah will aim to control possession and create chances with Al Hosani in goal.

Al Dhafra’s upcoming slate includes Al Wahda in the League Cup and United in the Arabian Gulf League. Sharjah is set to face Al Jazira in the League Cup next. Those fixtures follow Thursday’s game. Sharjah will also be looking to build on its home setting, while Al Dhafra aims to manage the travel and the demands of a busy stretch. Both teams will be eager to improve their standing in the competition, and the matchup at Sharjah Stadium is expected to offer a contrast between Sharjah’s search for momentum and Al Dhafra’s attempt to secure a result.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Sharjah 2, Al Dhafra 1.