Al Rayyan made light work of both Al Khor and Kharaitiyat in their previous games, scoring seven goals and conceding just three. Michael Laudrup has drilled his side well in pre-season and will be hoping for another big performance to further underline their title ambitions. Encounters between these two teams are often defined by the finest margins, and Rayyan defender Gonzalo Viera said they will have to be at full concentration if they are to get the win.
While for Al Duhail, they are heading into their first away match of the season following victories over Qatar SC and Al Arabi. Djamel Belmadi’s side will certainly have to show more balance than their free flowing attacking displays in recent weeks.
Qatar international midfielder Karim Boudiaf is likely to be placed in a defensive midfield role for the match, and his contributions will be important if the Red Knights are to maintain their 100% record. Ahead of the crunch tie, Laudrup admitted it will be an interesting battle as both the team’s players know each other well. Laudrup is no stranger to the Duhail set-up, having managed former club Lekhwiya for one season. “We know the side well and they have played together for four years now. They know each other well. They have players like Nam Tae Hee, Ismael Mohammed and Yusef Msakni, who have been together for a long time and that is a big advantage for Duhail heading into this match,” the Dane said.
When asked to assess his Duhail, Laudup said: “Duhail are a very attacking team. I think they will have Ismael and Afif in defence for this match. They have a good balance in midfield in Nam, Karim Boudiaf and Luis Martin and this will be important in breaking down.”
Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi said he is expecting a good attacking display from both sides. “Our midfield is one of our strengths and I believe that the battle will be in midfield. If we win this battle we can control the game. Rayyan have a strong attack also. We need to be strong in all areas of the pitch. It will be an interesting game, with two teams possessing a strong attacking philosophy and I hope it’s a good game to watch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd will be looking to continue winning ways against Al Gharafa in the late match at Al Sadd stadium. Jesauldo Ferriera’s side will again be targeting to stay in touch with the pacesetters in the league. Hassan Haydoos missed a penalty against Al Sailiya last time out, and the Qatar international will be looking to register his first goal of the new campaign.
Al Gharafa have been unspectacular yet solid so far this season, with their youthful side playing well under Jean Fernandez. This match against Sadd will be a real test of their capabilities in the QNB Stars League this season. Experienced keeper Qasem Burhan has pulled off a host of good saves in his opening matches of the season, and the former Qatar international will have to be in form if the Cheetahs are to come away with a shock win.
Today’s QNB Stars League action is rounded off by Al Kharaitiyat, who are chasing their first points of the season as the face Al Khor. The Thunders will be hopeful of upsetting their local rivals and Uzbeki midfielder Sanzhar Tursunov will be vital if Kharaitiyat have any chance of picking up the points.
Khor picked up their first win of the season in controversial style thanks to a late Madison winner. Laurent Banide will now be aiming to pick up back to back wins and push up the QNB Stars League standings. Iranian midfielder Soroush Rafiei was the Knights standout player against Al Ahli last weekend and will have to preform again if Khor are to defeat their local rivals.
Fixtures
Today: Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail at Al Sadd Stadium at 5:45pm; Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa at Al Sadd Stadium; Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Khor at Al Khor Stadium at 19:55pm
Tomorrow: Al Arabi vs Qatar SC at Al Arabi Stadium at 5:45pm; Al Ahli vs Umm Salal at Al Ahli Stadium at 19:55pm