Al Ain one step away from Adnoc Pro League title

Serhiy Rebrov’s side meet Al Jazira at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and can lift title with victory on Wednesday

Caio Canedo celebrates after scoring Al Ain's second goal in the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Victor Besa / The National

Goalkeeper Majed Naser of Shabab Al Ahli makes a save against Al Ain.

Al Ain score their second goal during the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli.

Al Ain's Kodjo Laba celebrates after scoring.

Al Ain score their second goal against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain players celebrate their first goal.

Shabab Al Ahli fans cheer after the opening goal by Federico Cartabia during the Pro League Cup final.

Federico Cartabia of Shabab Al Ahli, left, is congratulated by a teammate after scoring the opening goal.

Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper Majed Naser complains to the referee.

Al Ain fans during the Pro League Cup final.

Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper Majed Naser saves the ball.

Shabab Al Ahli fans during the Pro League Cup final.

Shabab Al Ahli's first goal in the Pro League Cup final.

Al Ain fans during the the Pro League Cup final.

Al Ain fans during the the Pro League Cup final.

Shabab Al Ahli fans during the Pro League Cup final.

Al Ain players show their frustration after missing a chance.

Shabab Al Ahli fans during the the Pro League Cup final.

Federico Cartabia of Shabab Al Ahli celebrates after scoring.

Shabab Al Ahli players celebrate after scoring the opening goal.

Al Ain players before the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain players celebrate their win at the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Shabab Al Ahli players celebrate their first goal at the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain players celebrate their win at the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain players celebrate their win at the Pro League Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain will be aiming to lift the Adnoc Pro League title on Wednesday as victory against Al Jazira at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium will hand them the crown with three games to spare.

Serhiy Rebrov, the Al Ain manager, is confident his side can complete the task and celebrate their 14th league title in front of their fans. After 22 matches, Al Ain are on 55 points - 10 ahead of the chasing pack of Jazira, Al Wahda and Sharjah who are all locked on 45 each.

“It appears we are in a good position with four games to play but any delay in winning that one game can add undue pressure,” the Ukrainian said.

“If we can be successful on the night, it will be fitting tribute to our ever-faithful fans. They have been a massive strength for us and I’m sure the players will rise to the occasion.”

The manager said staying focused on the task while maintaining the workload of players will be crucial.

“We know Jazira are one of the teams with a chance,” Rebrov added. “Our preparations have gone well and we certainly want to win the three points from this game.

“The matches are coming thick and fast at this stage of the season, and we have another game coming up against Al Nasr in three days’ time. We would like to rotate the players, providing them enough recovery time.

“Having said that, my players understands how important this game against Jazira is. If we are successful, then win the league title. That’s what we intend to do, come Wednesday.”

“The last step towards the title is always considered the most difficult, and I am well aware of that. I will explain to the players that we have to focus on the team’s affairs and not wait for miracles to happen or wait for the opponent to make mistakes."

Meanwhile, Jazira manager Marcel Keizer is facing a selection dilemma with injuries to Milos Kosanovic, Mohammed Al Attas and Zayed Al Amri.

“We have a few injuries and we’ll wait until the day of the match to accurately assess the physical condition of the injured players,” the Dutchman said.

“Without doubt, it’s a difficult and important game for us. We will go into this game with the intention of giving the fans a good performance and get full points without thinking of challenging for the top or second spot in the league."

Jazira and Al Ain have faced each other three times this season in the league and the Pro League Cup.

Al Ain thumped them 5-1 in the league and got the better of Jazira by virtue of an away goal in the league cup, following 1-1 and 0-0 results over two legs of the semi-final. Al Ain won the Pro League Cup after a penalty shoot-out win against Shabab Al Ahli.

“The two teams know each other well and there wasn’t different preparations for this match,” Keizer added.

“I don't think about the results and strategies of the other teams because I focus completely on my team and on helping the players prepare as best as they can for every game, and hopefully, we can return with a good result on the night.”