ABU DHABI // Having met three times already this season, in the league and both cups, Al Wahda meet city rivals Al Jazira in their second Arabian Gulf League meeting on Thursday.
The first two meetings ended in draws but Jazira were demolished 6-0 in the President’s Cup quarter-finals two weeks ago.
“The previous result doesn’t tell the actual story. Now we are on a new game and both teams start on 0-0,” said Javier Aguirre, the Wahda manager.
“Such results come only once in a blue moon. As I said during that post-match conference, it was an accident. This is a new game but we want to win and we are ready for them.”
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There is good news for Wahda as playmaker Jorge Valdivia returns from injury to bolster their attack.
“We have included him in the squad of 18,” Aguirre said. “It’s a delicate situation for any player returning to the side after a long absence as the injury will play on his mind.
“He has been training and seems to have fully recovered, however, the match situations are different. So, whether he starts the match will be decided on the morning of the game.”
Henk ten Cate, the Jazira manager, is seeking to keep their 100 per cent home record intact.
“My players are already excited at the prospect of playing another derby game and to also maintain our excellent home record,” he said.
“I’m expecting a tough game because we are on top of the league table. Any team that’s playing against the leaders will have an extra bit of motivation.”
Jazira’s new Brazilian signing Leonardo made an immediate impact by scoring one goal and assisting another in the 3-2 win over Al Wasl last week.
Khalfan Mubarak and Sultan Al Shamsi have also returned to the side from injuries.
In the early game, Al Ain travel to Ras Al Khaimah for a meeting with Emirates.
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