League leaders Lekhwiya take on Umm Salal today determined to bounce back from the draw against Al Rayyan last week that cut their lead at the top to just three points.
“We are heading into the Umm Salal tie at full concentration and we are aiming as ever to pick up three points again,” Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
 “Umm Salal are a good side, who will be a major challenge for us. They are a tough side to break down, but we have no alternative but to win in order to keep our lead at the top of the table,” noted the Algerian coach.
Lekhwiya currently have a three-point lead at the top of the standings, and Belmadi noted that he wants his side to be in good form ahead of their AFC Champions League match against the UAE’s Al Jazira next week.
“Our focus now is on this league match and the need to get three points, and then we can look forward to the AFC Champions League in good spirits.”
Belmadi said his team will try to cope with a few notable absentees. “Khalid Muftah and Chico Flores will be absent through suspension, whilst Mohamed Muntari is a long term injury concern for us.
“We have a strong bench and my players will be able to step up and cover for these absentees.”  
As for Umm Salal, they are currently eighth in the QSL standings and will be heading into the match against the league leaders off the back of a 1-1 draw with Al Ahli .
The Orange Fortress coach Mahmoud Jaber was under no illusions about how tough the game will be for his side.
“We are playing against the league leaders, who are fighting for the title. We must be at full concentration for Lekhwiya,” he said.
 “We played well in the last game against Al Ahli, and we will be looking to continue this positive sequence of results in the league,” added the Egyptian coach.
Jaber added that his side will be without captain Jawad Ahnash who will be out of the game through injury. “I have confidence in my team to play well; I believe we will need some luck if we are to defeat Lekhwiya.”
The Umm Salal boss ended the press conference noting that he is expecting an exciting match today.
“Lekhwiya want to stay as league leaders and we want to keep our form in the league, it will be an interesting battle for the points.”
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