Al Jazira boss Marcel Keizer expects tough match against basement club Hatta

Al Jazira manager Marcel Keizer. Courtesy Al Jazira FC

Al Jazira manager Marcel Keizer says his side are well prepared and expect a tough game against relegation strugglers Hatta.

Jazira sit two points clear at the top of the Arabian Gulf League ahead of their trip to the bottom club who are two points from safety.

Hatta head into Thursday's encounter on the back of a 1-0 win over Fujairah and Keizer said Jazira would not make the mistake of underestimating their opponents.

“They are after a good win over Fujairah and two games earlier played another good game in a defeat to Shabab Al Ahli, 2-1, after leading until the last five minutes of that match,” the Dutchman said.

“At the moment they are not in a high position but they are playing well. So we have prepared very well for this game. Everybody in the squad is available and are happy to play.”

Jazira have shown champion spirit in their last three games. They scored an injury-time goals to salvage draws against Baniyas and Shabab Al Ahli and beat defending champions Sharjah 3-0 despite being reduced to 10 men.

“This is what I knew when I was here first time,” said Keizer, who is in his second spell as Jazira coach, said.

“The players have great character and it’s really a joy to work with them because they have the mentality to win ... However, when we lose, we hear people say they don’t have character, which is not good. But as a coach I always believe in their strong character.”

Third-placed Sharjah will look to get their title aspirations when they entertain Khorfakkan at home following two successive defeats s.

In Thursday's other matches, Shabab Al Ahli are on the road to Ajman and Al Wasl travel to Fujairah.