Dubai: Everything is still to play for in the tenth and final group matches of the Etisalat Cup today and tomorrow.
Al Jazira, the only club already qualified on 22 points from seven wins, a draw and a loss, play second in Group A Al Wasl on neutral turf at Bani Yas on Friday with Frank Vercauteren's only incentive being to stop Diego Maradona's men from qualifying. Al Wasl were denied their home advantage for this tie due to earlier crowd trouble.
On 15 points with five wins and four losses, Al Wasl, in need of three points off Al Jazira to confirm their progression, are delicately poised just above their bogey clubs Al Ain and Dubai on 14 and 13 points respectively.
Al Ain face second from bottom Al Wahda away, hoping to leapfrog Al Wasl, while Dubai, who rely solely on victory for themselves and defeats or draws for both Al Ain and Al Wasl, play bottom placed Emirates at home.
If Al Wasl draw or lose and Al Ain win, Cosmin Olariou's team will progress, while a loss for Al Wasl and draw for Al Ain will see Al Ain qualify on goal difference, provided Dubai don't win.
Both Al Wasl and Al Ain drawing or losing their games, will see a winning Dubai Club through on goal difference.
Elsewhere in Group B to be concluded today leaders Al Shabab on 17 points from five wins, two losses two draws, play Bani Yas away in need of at least a draw to confirm qualification.
With Al Shabab on a current goal difference of plus nine, Bani Yas on 14 points and a plus one strike difference, must beat Paulo Bonamigo's men 9-0 to surpass the defending champions.
