Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic has downplayed the importance of Sunday’s derby clash against Al Jazira but admits the game holds a lot of significance for his team.
The Boss hosts their direct title challengers at home this evening with most of the buildup centered on how well Asamoah Gyan or Mirko Vucinic with Al Ain and Al Jazira respectively will fare.
Al Ain, currently three points clear on top of the league are desperate to reclaim their Arabian Gulf League title they lost last term to Al Ahli.
Their charge has however come under intense challenge from their Abu Dhabi rivals.
Many believe the title will be decided by the big derby clash on Sunday with nine games left in the season.
But Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic thinks otherwise – giving equal importance to all their remaining league matches of the season.
“Sunday's game is not the most important confrontation for Al Ain in the league but it means for us to meet the expectation of getting three points like any other league match,” he said.
“We have 27 points left over the league, we need them to 17 points for the league title Coronation Shield.”