Marcel Keizer has “absolute confidence” about Al Jazira’s ability to prevail during a second-successive blockbuster Arabian Gulf League clash in a week when champions Sharjah run out at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

The Pride of Abu Dhabi were frustrated last weekend against 10-man Al Ain and could only draw 0-0. They now welcome 2019/20’s nascent leaders, plus the competition’s only unbeaten side.

“I was delighted with the team’s performance last week against Al Ain because we had a lot of control over that game and created a lot of real scoring opportunities that we didn’t manage to turn into goals,” said the ex-Ajax supremo, who returned last month for a second stint at the helm.

“At the moment, I think we will be fully prepared to face Sharjah on Thursday evening at home and among our fans. We have absolute confidence in our ability to provide the best level.”

Thursday’s other standout fixture witnesses second-placed Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club make the 550 kilometre+ round trip to Al Dhafra.

On Friday, Fujairah host promoted Hatta in an early ‘relegation six-pointer’. Recent resurgences for Al Wahda and Al Wasl will be tested when they meet at Al Nahyan Stadium.