Al Jazira coach Marcel Keizer declared his team is relishing the challenge of stopping Al Ain and wants his players to raise their game when the two sides meet this weekend.
Al Jazira travel to the Garden City for Friday’s eagerly-anticipated Arabian Gulf League clash with The Pride of Abu Dhabi aiming to secure their third consecutive league victory.
Just two points separate fourth-placed Al Jazira and second-placed Al Ain and Keizer knows his players will have to play their best football in the derby to take all three points.
“This is a match between two very good teams, who play very good football and I expect an entertaining game,” said Keizer during his pre-match press conference.
“Our players always have confidence even if we win or lose. Everybody likes winning and now we have won two straight matches in the league, the team morale is good. Having said that, we know we have to continue playing better and hope we can do that against Al Ain and achieve a positive result.”
Keizer has a near full-strength squad to choose from with only Amer Abdulrahman set to miss the clash through injury.
Omar Abdulrahman is set to face his former club for the first time and Keizer has backed the UAE star to excel.
“I understand why people are talking about his return and I’m sure he will relish the atmosphere,” said Keizer.
“At the end of the day, it’s just another game that he has to play and he will want to produce a high-level performance.”
Meanwhile, Thulani Serero admits his team-mates will have to be at the top of their game to prevail.
“Al Ain are a good side but we also have a strong team with quality players. We are looking forward to this game and everyone is determined to be put on a good performance,” said the South African midfielder.
