After five league matches, Al Dhafra sat 12th on three points, with a goal difference of 3-9. They have yet to score before half-time this season. United have conceded nine goals after the break, the most in the competition.
Before round six, Al Dhafra had won once and lost four times. United had won twice. They drew once and lost twice.
The UAE Pro League scheduled the match for Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:05 p.m. local time at Hamdan Bin Zayed Stadium. The teams have met five times in the First Division League and the President's Cup. Al Dhafra won three of those matches. United won once, and one match ended in a draw. Friday's fixture is their first meeting in the top flight.
Recent UAE football coverage has also followed cup form, including Ajman's cup start. The Friday league schedule also included Bani Yas against Al Wasl, with kick-off set for 7:45 p.m.
Al Dhafra have played 51 Pro League matches against promoted teams. They won 22. Thirteen ended in draws, and they lost 16. In 20 league matches against opponents they had never faced in the competition, Al Dhafra won six. Seven ended level. They lost seven.
Their most recent competitive match before Friday's fixture was a 2-0 defeat to Al Wahda in the ADIB Cup on October 9 at Al Nahyan Stadium.
The President's Cup round of 16 was scheduled for October 24. Al Dhafra were drawn against Khorfakkan, while United were drawn against Hatta. The round is a single-match knockout.
