Al Ahli coach Mahdi Redha has warned his players Auckland City will be no pushovers when the two sides meet in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Redha's men are the first team from the United Arab Emirates to take part in the tournament, which also features the likes of Barcelona and Estudiantes.

As representatives of the host nation, Al Ahli will have the crowd behind them in their opening clash but Redha is aware they will need more than vocal support to get past Auckland.

"Auckland City are a very good team," he told FIFA.com. "Their players are strong, physical and experienced.

"The match won't be easy for us but we're ready for it."

Oceania champions Auckland are making their second appearance at the Club World Cup, but coach Paul Posa insists they will be the underdogs at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

"Under their new coach they have picked up their game," said Posa on club website www.aucklandcityfc.com.

"At the end of the day, they are a professional club and we are amateur. No matter what is being said, they are still the favourites."

The winners of the tie will face Mexican outfit Atlante in the quarter-finals.