Al Sadd's Akram Afif (left) in action during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa and Al Sadd will lock horns in this week’s marquee Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash, with both title contenders chasing a vital victory in a top-of-the-table showdown.
League leaders Al Gharafa, who sit on 31 points, will host defending champions Al Sadd at Thani Bin Jasim Stadium on Saturday as Round 14 - spread across three matchdays - gets underway today.
Second-placed Al Sadd arrive in ominous form, having won six straight league matches, and will be aiming to cut Al Gharafa’s five-point lead on the Cheetahs’ home ground.
Al Gharafa's Yacine Brahimi (centre) and teammates train ahead of the match.
The Wolves come into the fixture fresh from a thrilling 3-2 victory over Shabab Al Ahli in Saturday’s Qatar-UAE Super Shield final.
Al Sadd head coach Roberto Mancini sounded a warning after lifting his first trophy with the club, stressing that retaining the Falcon Shield remains among his primary objectives.
“I am very happy with my first title with the team, and our goal is to continue working to win more titles,” Mancini said after the win.
Al Sadd defeated Al Gharafa 2-0 in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins will be hoping his side returns to winning ways after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Sharjah in last Thursday’s Qatar-UAE Super Cupat home. The Cheetahs, however, defeated Al Arabi in their previous QSL outing.
In another anticipated fixture this week, Al Duhail will host Al Rayyan at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium tomorrow as both sides look to climb the standings.
The Red Knights are sixth with 19 points - one behind Al Arabi and four adrift of Al Rayyan.
Artur Jorge’s Al Rayyan will be eager to bounce back after dropping to fourth following last week’s defeat to Al Shamal, who sit one point above the Lions in third place.
Al Shamal host 10th-placed Al Sailiya, who have 11 points, in tomorrow’s opening match at Al Shamal Sports Club.
Umm Salal vs Al Arabi to kick off action
Action begins today with Umm Salal taking on Al Arabi at Al Khor Stadium.
“This is a very important match as every point counts in the team’s journey to improve its position in the league table,” Al Arabi head coach Cosmin Contra said yesterday.
“Umm Salal have nothing to lose and will fight for points to escape the relegation zone. With their players and capabilities, they will be tough opponents.”
Umm Salal are rooted to the bottom of the table with nine points, two behind 11th-placed Al Shahania.
New Umm Salal head coach Danilo is hoping for a winning start with the Orange Fortress.
“This match is a significant milestone as it is my first game in charge of the team. We will enter the match with a clear objective - victory,” Danilo said.
“We believe in our abilities and must remain positive on the field. Every match must be played with the sole aim of winning.”
Today’s second match will see Al Wakrah take on Al Shahania at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium. Al Wakrah are currently eighth with 16 points.
Elsewhere, Al Ahli will square off against Qatar SC at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday. Al Ahli sit ninth with 15 points, while Qatar SC are seventh with 17.
