Meanwhile, reigning champions Al Sadd will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat to Al Shamal last week as they meet Al Wakrah at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday.
With just two wins to their credit in six matches so far, Al Sadd are hoping to clinch victory but face an in-form Al Wakrah, who are the only unbeaten side in the season so far.
“Al Wakrah have been impressive with their good organisation in play and clear attacking style. It’s a robust team. But we’re ready for Al Wakrah, our goal is victory,” Al Sadd coach Juan Maneul Lillo said yesterday.
The Wolves will see the return of Rodrigo Tabata, who will be back after serving a two-match suspension. “It was really unfortunate that we missed [Rodrigo] Tabata in our three matches and not just two because in the match against Al Gharafa, in which he was expelled, he played only for a short time. His return to the team is a strong addition,” said the coach.
Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez said Al Sadd are still a tough side despite missing their star players. “All matches are difficult and there is only one match left before the league takes a break, and I hope to win. But of course this match will not be easy,” Lopez said yesterday.
“I am very happy with our players’ performance in all matches and it is not easy for them to always outperform their opponents. But they do so, evidence being the 32 chances to score in two matches,” he added.
In other matches, bottom-placed Al Rayyan will seek their first win of the season when they face Qatar SC at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, while Al Ahli and Al Shamal will square off at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.