ABU DHABI: The first half of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) concludes with the Abu Dhabi derby between Al Jazira and Al Wahda kicking off on Monday at 7:45 at Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium.

Reigning champions Al Jazira are currently fifth in the table with 16 points, and can move into the top four with a home win.

Third-placed Al Wahda, meanwhile, aim to close the gap on leaders Al Wasl and Al Ain to two points with a victory.

Coach Henk ten Cate bemoaned Al Jazira’s difficult situation as exhaustion and a packed schedule weighs on the players, many of whom are just returning from participation in the Gulf Cup in Kuwait.

The Dutchman said all these factors negatively affect his side, but insisted the players’ fighting spirit will see them through in the derby.

Ten Cate believes his opponents Al Wahda are in a better shape and are under less pressure, hoping his own players can remain focused to get a positive result at home.

Al Wahda’s Laurentiu Reghecampf, on the other side, is confident his players can get the job done in the absence of the side’s main creative outlet Mourad Batna.

The Romanian feels the break has given his side time to prepare for the game, adding that national team duo Mohamed Al Shamsi and Mohamed Al Menhali will have their fitness assessed upon return from international duty.

Reghecampf downplayed the impact of scheduling and absences, insisting his side is going through a similar situation as Al Jazira, adding that the match will be a difficult one for both sides.