Runaway leaders Al Ain must not think they are already Arabian Gulf League champions when they host bottom-placed Ittihad Kalba, according to coach Zlatko Dalic.

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The Boss hold a dominant position after they beat Al Nasr and second-placed Al Jazira lost to Al Wahda in the previous round, a seven-point advantage with just four games remaining their reward.

The simplest of tasks appears to await them tonight [Thursday] at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium when they host already-relegated opponents, but Dalic refused to get carried away.

He said: “It will not be easy and it is a very important point for us in the journey to challenge for the title.

“We will enter the match against Ittihad Kalba with respect for the opponent, especially since the opponent has nothing to lose against us. We have to hold caution, deal seriously and have a high concentration.”

Meanwhile, Al Dhafra boss Laurent Banide has urged his side to get the result at home to Wahda to confirm their top-flight status.

The Western Knights can secure a fourth-successive AGL campaign with victory on home soil, regardless of what second-bottom Ajman do tomorrow [Friday] against highflying Al Shabab.

“We are currently working to stay in the UAE Premier League and we will work diligently to achieve a positive result during the match,” the Frenchman said.