“We are now at the top of the standings and in good shape. Our goal is to win the title, but that will require us to make more efforts because all matches are difficult. And now we face Wakrah. We have to show the best level and give everything we have to win this match,” said Xavi on the eve of the match.
The former Barcelona midfielder said Wakrah are a dangerous side and praised coach Marquez Lopez influence. “The clash will be very difficult because Wakrah are coached by Marquez Lopez, who is considered as one of the best coaches in the league now. They also have distinguished professional players such as (Cristian) Ceballos, Isaias (Sanchez), (Mohamed) Benyettou, Ousmane Coulibaly and Lucas Mendes. Even their home-grown players have improved greatly and are playing well,” he said.
“We have to continue with this level. We, at Al Sadd, are all happy because we are going through a period that is the best for the team. We are doing everything the right way and now we have no room for complacency. All matches are difficult as I mentioned and we have to win the three points,” added Xavi.
Wakrah defeated Al Sailiya in their last week and will be eager to continue their winning streak. Coach Marquez Lopez said: “Al Sadd are a strong team and a difficult match awaits us of course, but we will definitely try. At this moment, Khaled Muneer and Ahmed Moein will be absent due to their injuries. Hopefully, all others are ready,” said Marquez.
Meanwhile, Duhail face Al Sailiya at home. The reigning champions are fourth with 12 points and have had a mixed fortune this season. On the other hand, Sailiya are in eighth position.
In another match of the day, Al Arabi take on Al Rayyan, which is one of the signature matches in the league, mainly because these are the two teams with perhaps the largest fan base in Qatar football. Both Al Arabi and Al Rayyan had dropped points in the previous round, the former losing 0-3 to Qatar SC and the latter playing out a 1-1 draw with Al Ahli. Naturally, they will look not to repeat it and that should make the encounter more enthralling.
Al Arabi are in the 10th position in the standings with five points that they earned from one victory and two draws. Last season’s runners-up Al Rayyan are placed fifth with 11 points.
Rayyan will have their ace player Yacine Brahimi back in the fold after missing their last two matches against Al Kharaitiyat and Al Ahli as he was recovering from coronavirus infection.