Defending champions Al Sadd are hoping to continue their winning run as they meet Al Arabi in fifth round of the 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League (QSL) at the Khalifa International Stadium today.
Al Sadd have registered four straight wins so far and are on joint top spot with Al Duhail, who have similar record in the league.
Coach Xavi Hernandez said Al Sadd must continue their good form against Al Arabi, whom the Spaniard defined as tough opponents.
“We are doing fine (after four wins) and I am happy with the form of the players,” Xavi told a pre-match press conference.
“We have to continue like this. Of course, we need to improve in some aspects because we conceded goals because of our individual mistakes, but the rest of the things are fine. We’re creating a lot of chances and we’re playing very well. We need to keep going.”
Al Arabi are have also started the season well, occupying third spot in the standing with 9 points from four games.
“If we look at one of our last matches against Al Arabi, winning against them in the Amir Cup final was very difficult. In the second leg of the league last year, we fought back for a 3-2 win after Santi Cazorla scored at the last minute. Al Arabi is a difficult team."
"We know their coach Younis Ali well, who is doing a good job. They have 9 points and they have started the season very well. They have a good team and that is a fact,” said Al Sadd coach.
Meanwhile, Al Arabi coach Younis Ali said his team was well prepared for Al Sadd challenge.
“My team’s preparations have gone well, just the way we wanted to get ready for the clash against Al Sadd,” he said.
“The morale is high especially after the victory over Qatar SC in the last round. We know we have another difficult match ahead of us in a short period of time. The training sessions went well and we spoke about the errors that we made in the last match,” Ali added.
Today’s second match will see Al Sailiya and Al Khor in action at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Stars League made an amendment to the schedule of matches for Week 5 after co-ordination and consultation with the authorities concerned.
The Al Wakrah vs Al Duhail match, scheduled to be held today, has been postponed to a later date due to the health measures that prevent Al Duhail players from participating in training and matches. The Competition Department has been notified to take the appropriate decision.
