Owen Coyle will match wits today against a man he believes could manage any team in the world when Bolton Wanderers host Everton.
The visitors have certainly not had one of their best seasons since David Moyes took over as the coach nearly nine years ago and head into today's clash three points behind Bolton.
But Coyle, the Bolton manager, has nothing but praise for his fellow Scot, particularly given the financial constraints he has encountered at Goodison Park.
"He's an outstanding manager," Coyle said. "More than that, when you look at the job he's done and the heights he's taken Everton to with limited resources, for me he's capable of managing anybody in world football.
"And if he did [move to a bigger club], I've got no doubt that major honours would come on the back of it. That's how highly I rate him as a manager."
The visitors at least will go into the meeting on the strength of a victory after last weekend's 5-3 win over Blackpool, although the four-goal star of that performance - Louis Saha - has been sidelined by injury.
Coyle at last has a mostly fit squad to choose from; a run of injuries left him with few choices in December and January.
Moyes, meanwhile, was flattered by the praise from Coyle.
"It's very kind of him but there are a lot of young, promising managers out there who would like to be given opportunities and I am sure if Owen keeps doing what he is doing, he'll be competing at the highest level," he said.
"He already is with what he is doing at Bolton. His team are playing great. He took them over in a really difficult position last year and got them away from relegation.
"He has had a great year in the job, done really well."
8pm, Abu Dhabi Sports 3 & 5
RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Emiratisation at work
Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago
It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.
Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers
The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension
President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.
During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development
More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics
The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens
UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere
The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now