Coach Xavi Hernandez expects Al Sadd will face their toughest match so far when the QNB Stars League leaders take on Qatar SC at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium today. While Al Sadd hold a comfortable seven-point lead at the top, Qatar SC too are on a hot streak having won five consecutive matches to climb to fifth in the table.
Qatar SC’s rising fortunes is mainly due to their striker Youcef Belaili. The Algerian has scored nine goals so far and is the leading scorer of the league. Sadd themselves are on a seven-match winning streak, but their unbeaten run will be put to test by Belaili and co.
“We are facing a team that appears at their best level in the league so far because they have won five consecutive matches with their new player Youcef Belaili, who made the difference and also with the presence of good overseas recruits such as Elmehdi Barrahma, Ali Karimi and (Anthony) Okpotu,” said Xavi yesterday.
The Al Sadd coach said two in-form teams should produce a top quality match. “Qatar SC players will have confidence and so are we. I think it is possible to expect a match of top quality because they have a good level and performance and the same holds true for Al Sadd,” the Spaniard said.
Xavi praised Qatar SC’ coach Younis Ali. “From my point of view, Qatar SC have a good coach in Younis Ali, who does a big job. He also made a good effort with Al Markhiya last season. He is a capable coach and was a good player as well and he has a lot of experience, so getting these three points means a lot to us,” he said.
Al Sadd will be without star striker Akram Afif, who tested positive for coronavirus and is likely to out of action for two weeks.
Meanwhile, Younis Ali was in a confident mood of Qatar SC’s clash against Al Sadd. The ex-Qatar international said his team was in awe of Al Sadd’s quality but would not be daunted by the challenge.
“We have a tough task on hand because Al Sadd are league leaders and the best team in Asia, and includes many star players - Qataris and foreigners. This match will be difficult also because Al Sadd are a technically-stable team and have the ability to impose their style excellently over their competitors. They present themselves in the best possible way in every match, but the task is not impossible and we hope that we too will appear well. Our preparations went off well,” he said.
“The wonderful thing is that our team has become a well-oiled machine on the field, thanks to everyone’s efforts. The level of the team now prompts us to pursue enthusiasm, drive and focus, as we have great ambition in the club to return to the position that Qatar SC deserve. We also have a strategy to provide opportunities for young players.
“There is no doubt that the recent victories have fuelled our ambitions to provide our best in the next match, which is the most important and our focus is on it now. After the recent contracts, there is a state of satisfaction in the club and we aspire to be the best, continue with the same pace and overcome any pressure that may arise,” said Younis.
In another match today, Al Gharafa will hope to reclaim the second spot, when they take on Umm Salal today. Al Gharafa have the most number of victories, after leaders Al Sadd (nine). They have the second-best goal difference as well and have scored the most number of goals, also after Al Sadd.
Umm Salal too go into the match on a confident note as they have not lost in their last three games. The Orange Fortress, who were the basement side for some time, are now 10th with nine points. Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic said: “If we perform with the same focus and the players show the same spirit as in the previous matches, our chances of beating Umm Salal will be great. I admit that we are facing a team distinguished by good organisation, especially in defence. They will definitely rely on counter-attacks and that requires our team to show utmost concentration.
“We played the past matches more confidently and more coherently, and there began more harmony in our ranks, which created mutual trust among the players. Each of them is ready and able to cover the mistakes of a team-mate during the matches. The team has a great desire to achieve victories. Even when we were stung by deficit, the players believed in their ability to win and those are the most important steps we took in order to be stronger.”
In the third match of the day, Al Wakrah face Al Kharaitiyat. Al Wakrah are in ninth with 10 points, while Al Kharaitiyat are in a precarious position as they are the basement side with six points.
