The United Arab Emirates (UAE) take on Oman at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town on Friday in the 21st Gulf Cup.
Oman need a victory to stand a chance of reaching the last four - the UAE, though, are already sure of a semi-final place.
Mahdi Ali’s side opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Qatar, and then beat host country Bahrain by two goals to one.
It means Ali can rest a few of his key men, plus those in danger of suspension, for the conclusion of Group A, and he intends to do so.
Oman has just one point after a stalemate against Bahrain, but UAE’s manager was adamant on Thursday that each team has an equal chance of winning the encounter.



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