Action from the QSL match between Umm Salal and Al Kharaitiyat at Al Khor Stadium, yesterday. The match ended in a one-all draw.
DOHA: Former champions Al Sadd today will look to pocket their fourth successive win when they take on Qatar Stars League (QSL) rivals Al Sailiyah.
Captained by Spanish legend Raul Gonzalez in the absence of Mohammed Kasola, Al Sadd have beaten Umm Salal, Qatar SC and Al Arabi in their three matches so far. Despite an impressive tally of nine points from three matches, coach Hussein Amute is not taking things lightly.
“We are playing strong and tough sides at the start of the league,” Amute said during a press conference.
“Al Sadd always tries redouble their efforts as the league progresses. We want to continue our winning streak. My players are back from the national duty. A Sailiyah are a known commodity. They have quality players.
“Their new coach is good too. There will be some absentees from our side. I am fearful of fatigue and tiredness from my side. The players are confident though. I have urged the players who took part in that Uzbek (FIFA World Cup qualifying) clash to get on with this game,” he added.
The match will take place at Al Rayyan Stadium as Al Sailiyah do not have a stadium of their own.
Also today, Al Rayyan - the current points leaders in QSL - will be away at Al Khor for their round four clash. Coached by Diego Aguirre, Al Rayyan are also unbeaten like Al Sadd having posted wins against Lekhwiya, Umm Salal and Qatar SC.
Al Rayyan, however, will miss the services of reliable midfielder Fabio Cesar, who is nursing an injury.
Coach Diego Aguirre said: “We are playing the fourth round and this is where the serious teams pick up momentum. We are facing a strong side in Al Rayyan. Al Khor are playing on their home soil and that always makes them a strong proposition.”
He added: “We will miss Fabio Cesar because of injury. Fabio is a great player and his absence will be tough to fill. But I am confident Al Rayyan will put on a great show. In recent times we have been giving chances to young players.” In the third match of the day, former champions Al Gharafa will be hoping to pick up their first win of the season when they host Eljaish.
Coached by Paulo Silas, Al Gharafa are under pressure to deliver after failing to score a win in three games.
Silas said: “We are facing a tough match. There are many strong sides in QSL and Eljaish are one of those tough sides. They have managed to win last of their two matches - and one those wins came against a strong Lekhwiya side. They will be trying for their third win but we are looking at three points. We want to win our first match.”
On the contrary, Eljaish - who have 6 points - will be looking to score their third successive win of the season.
Eljaish, coached by Ravvan Lucescu of Romania - beat Al Sailiya and Lekhwiya in their last two rounds. The Peninsula
