Al Jazira must focus on beating neighbours Al Wahda before worrying about a potential UAE League Cup semi-final place, according to assistant coach Stefano Cusin.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi know they must win to stand any chance of reaching the last four.
With Sharjah guaranteed of qualification from Group A, Bani Yas would seal their own passage to the semi-finals with a win at Dubai.
Al Samawi assumed control of a last-four place with a 3-1 defeat of Jazira in November, but Walter Zenga’s side – who start the night a point behind Bani Yas – can nip in ahead if they better their result.
“We will ignore any other matches and focus only on playing well and winning the three points from this complicated match,” Cusin told www.jc.ae.
Jazira are without seven players for Wahda’s visit, including five who are away on international duty.
Cusin insists that will not affect the quality or intensity of the game, though, saying that playing their Abu Dhabi neighbours always requires “maximum respect”.
That was a view shared by Wahda boss Jose Peseiro who urged his players to take the game seriously, despite seeing their own semi-final chances evaporate months ago.
“The players must respect the club shirt when they are on the pitch,” said the coach, who is without three UAE squad members for the game. “It is always a big game against Jazira. There is pride at stake.”
In Dubai, Bani Yas will be looking to seal a first win under coach Adnan Hamad.
Al Samawi have not won since a 4-0 demolition of tonight’s opponents on January 23.
In the night’s other game, Sharjah take on city rivals Al Shaab needing a point to be sure of top spot in Group A.
Fixtures (all 19:05)
Today
Dubai v Bani Yas
Sharjah v A l Shaab
Al Jazira v A l Wahda
Tomorrow
Emirates v A l Dhafra
Al Wasl v A l Nasr
Al Ahli v A l Shabab
