VIPs throng to support Al Ain in final today

Al Ain coach Bruno Metsu received a boost on the eve of the AFC Champion's League final with leading players Farhad Majidi and Salem Jawhar being declared 'fit and ready to play.'

Metsu, who now has a full squad to choose from for his starting line-up, said he was 'happy with the way the final preparations have gone.' However, he said he would never underestimate any rival. "I respect the BEC side and we are expecting a tough match," Metsu said.

BEC coach Attapol Puspakom said he was looking for an early goaland that part of the strategy would be to mark Rodrigo Mendes, Majidi and Faisal Ali. "We have to score and put pressure on Al Ain," he said. Attapol also confirmed that Nigerian Sunday may not start as he was yet to fully recover.

Meanwhile Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces and Al Ain Club's President, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture and former UAE FA President and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan are expected to arrive in Bangkok today. They will meet the team ahead of today's match.

Thousands of Al Ain fans are expected to attend the final. Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithy, Chairman of the club's Board of Directors, said arrangements had been made to transport Thailand-based UAE nationals and other Arab citzens to the match.

A chartered flight carrying nearly 300 supporters was also expected to arrive from the UAE.