Both Al Ahli and Al Ain would have expected that their second Pro League clash this season would be freighted with significance. But they must have been thinking of a fight over positions at the top of the table, not at the foot.
Two of the country's biggest clubs have been reduced to trying to save lost seasons, the post-David O'Leary Ahli side fighting to climb into the upper half of the table and Al Ain hoping to avoid the indignity of relegation.
Al Ain are the UAE's most-decorated side, but they languish one point out of the drop zone, and their attention has been turned fully to the relegation battle at the expense of the Asian Champions League.
They sent their second team to Korea last week, leaving the first XI home to rest for this 6.10pm make-up match at Rashid Stadium. The boys lost 3-0 at FC Seoul, ending Al Ain's hopes of surviving continental group play.
Abdulhameed al Mishtiki replaced O'Leary, the Premier League veteran, as Ahli's coach three weeks ago, and he knows Al Ain well; he was their coach until being dismissed in December as the club sank to 11th.
He has found Ahli decimated by injury in central defence. Fabio Cannavaro, the pricey addition from Italy, is one of those who has been sidelined; he has not played since March 23 because of a baulky knee. Al Ahli lost their first match under al Mishtiki, falling 2-1 away to Dubai, but they may have been heartened to see their Emirati striker, Ahmed Khalil, score his fourth league goal.
Alexandre Gallo, the Brazilian coach, has tried to revive Al Ain, with mixed results; the side reached the Etisalat Cup final before losing to Al Shabab and have struggled to score. They will be relieved if the Brazilian Elias Ribeiro or the Romanian Valetin Badea can find the back of the net.
Gallo goes to Dubai aware of swirling rumours that he will be replaced by the Romanian Olario Kozmin. The club felt compelled to issue a denial last week that Kozmin will be their next coach. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed, the club chairman, said: "What is said about signing new contracts is just unsuitable at this time."
Ahli have made clear that al Mishtiki's tenure is for the remainder of the season. Among the names connected with the club for next season is the former West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola.
6.10pm, Abu Dhabi Sports 1
