Dubai: Al Wasl and Al Jazira’s contrasting starts to the season mean nothing heading into this Friday’s clash at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium from 8pm, according to Cheetah’s boss Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
Defending champions Al Jazira are ninth in the league on four points from four games, whereas Al Wasl — who finished runners-up last season — are second to Al Ain on a difference of one goal with 10 points from four.
“Maybe they didn’t start like they wanted,” Arruabarrena said of Al Jazira. “But they have a great coach and team, and players with the experience to get them out of that situation.
“The one thing we cannot do is relax, because today we open the newspaper and see Al Wasl are [joint] first, but we cannot think we are the best, that is the thing we cannot do.
“We must keep improving. Positions are only statistics after four games and no one remembers who is first after four matches. The important thing is where you finish.
“Although it will be very difficult, we will travel there to get all three points.”
Elsewhere on Friday fifth-placed Al Nasr host bottom-of-the-league Ajman from 5pm, with Blues boss Cesare Prandelli saying the minnows still pose a threat despite having yet to pick up a point.
“All games are dangerous but when we talk about teams who have lost games, they have nothing to lose and can be even more dangerous because they can afford to take risks,” said Prandelli.
Al Nasr have already played Ajman in the Arabian Gulf Cup last month, a match they won 3-0 at home.
“We have already seen them personally this season. Countering and transitions are their most dangerous weapon so we need to pay attention and leave them no space because they can hurt us in these situations.”
Al Nasr are currently on seven points from four games courtesy of two wins a loss and a draw.
“We look at the standings but don’t give it so much attention at the moment, our only reference is ourself and to continue in the league. We need to search for three points and continue improving.”
