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Paqueta to mix it up as Al Shabab host Al Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia

Al Shabab head coach Marcos Paqueta has admitted that he will be using a mix of First Team regulars and promising Reserves as his side try to cope with a loaded fixture list. Featuring in the Etisalat Pro League, AFC Champions League and President's Cup, whilst just being knocked out of the Etisalat Cup in the semi-finals last week, Al Shabab have had plenty of games to contend with recently and Paqueta will use squad variations to keep fatigue at bay. "We will go into the game with a variety of First Team regulars and some up-and-coming players. Al Ettifaq play in a similar way to us, so I foresee a strong and exciting game," the Brazilian said at his pre-match press conference.

 

Meanwhile, Al Ettifaq manager Maciej Skorza described the game as 'life or death' for both sides as they strive to make it through the AFC Champions League group stages. "It would be good to win away but we desperately need at least a point from this game to keep our hopes of progression alive," the Polish coach said. "Al Shabab are very strong collectively in attack but we will be looking to expose their defensive weaknesses. I hope my players are not wasteful with their chances as they were against Lekhwiya of Qatar," he added. Skorza also confirmed that Yahya Al Shehri will be the only player unavailable for selection from his squad.