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Dubai: Al Jazira's dream of winning their first-ever First Division League title could be a difficult one to realise when the two teams meet tomorrow at Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Al Jazira, on 38 points, have just one route to win the title, and albeit challenging one - they need to beat leaders Al Shabab, to be equal on points, and then take them on again in the playoff on Sunday.
In comparison, Al Shabab's task looks easier. They have three alternatives. The first one is to beat Al Jazira and settle the issue tomorrow itself. The second option is to make sure the match ends in a draw for one point will be enough for them to emerge champions. Even if these options fail and Al Shabab lose tomorrow's encounter, they can still fall back on Sunday's playoff as the last-gasp attempt at emerging champions.
In-camera session
Al Shabab's Brazilian coach Toninho Cerezo supervised the team's last training sessions behind closed doors, presumably to keep his tactics secret.
Al Shabab left for Abu Dhabi last night to give the players more time to rest before the tough clash tomorrow. The team will hold their final training session at the Al Wahda Club grounds today.
Al Jazira, meanwhile, are optimistic that they can defer a decision on the fate of the league till Sunday's playoff, wherein they hope to beat Al Shabab.
Al Shabab will meet Al Jazira at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium tomorrow, a venue which has been termed as "The Victory Stadium" by Al Jazira. Al Jazira have never lost at their home venue in the current season and hope to continue their unbeaten run tomorrow as well.
Al Jazira, however, will miss wing-back Saleh Obaid, one of their key players, through a one-match suspension.
Obaid said he was very sad to miss out on the most important match of the season. "I am sure my teammates will do their best and spare no effort at defending the Al Jazira colours," Obaid commented.
The match, however, will witness the return of Abdul Salam Juma, the defensive midfielder, who was absent from the last two matches owing to the red card he had picked up against Al Ain.
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