Al Jazira boss Henk ten Cate is aware his underperforming team have to be considered long shots for tomorrow’s Abu Dhabi derby at Al Wahda.
Ten Cate, 61, is aiming to earn a first win at the third attempt since he was drafted in to salvage the 10th-placed club’s poor 2015-16.
“We go there as the underdogs as they have been playing a long time together,” said the Dutchman. “They are fifth in the league and that tells the story.”
Meanwhile, Al Ain star Fellipe Bastos is not expecting a walkover for the champions at Sharjah.
“Our mission before Sharjah is not easy,” said Bastos of tomorrow’s game.
“We know all teams try their best when they face the leaders.”
Boss Caio Junior is excited about showing off the new-look Al Shabab at Dibba Al Fujairah on Friday.
The Hawks decided to ditch 16-goal target man Jo for pacy forward Juninho Potiguar earlier this week.
“Juninho has something different about him,” Caio said.
“He has speed, which will allow me to change the character of the team.”
Midfielder Mark Milligan has warned Bani Yas they must wake up to turn their frustrating campaign around.
“We need to work hard and focus to get the three points to break our run of three consecutive draws, especially as we are playing at home,” said the Australia regular, whose team are searching for just a second win in 11 matches against Fujairah on Thursday.
