Al Sadd will host Al Arabi in Round 17 of the QNB Stars League (QSL) and a victory today could seal title for the Wolves or will take them to brink of the coveted Falcon Shield.
With five rounds remaining in the season, Xavi Hernandez-coached side has built a healthy tally of 44 points – 13 clear of second-placed Al Duhail, who will meet Al Gharafa in today’s first game at Qatar SC Stadium.
If Al Sadd – who are yet to be defeated this season – manage to beat Al Arabi and The Red Knights lose to Al Gharafa, the Wolves will take an unassailable lead and will secure the title.
“Even otherwise, if we win the next two matches, we will be the champions,” Xavi (pictured) told a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Our focus is now on the Al Arabi match and it will be difficult because the opponents have not suffered any defeat in the last seven rounds,” he added.
A clash between Al Sadd and Al Arabi, dubbed the Qatar Derby, attracts a lot of attention owing to huge fan-following of the two Qatari clubs. Though Al Sadd defeated Al Arabi 4-1 in the first leg, Xavi was aware of their recent performance that saw them unbeaten in the last seven rounds.
“Everyone will remember that Al Sadd suffered in the 2019-20 season Amir Cup final because Al Arabi defended well,” Xavi said referring to Al Sadd’s hard-fought 2-1 win over The Dream Team last December.
“They (Al Arabi) have not conceded many goals of late. They have improved a lot with the presence of very good players in the defence, such as Marc Muniesa and Ayoub Azzi. And then, they have new players, like Yousef Mskani, who has added value to the squad and all that will make it difficult for us,” said the Barcelona legend.
Al Arabi, however, will be without coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who was tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
“I am sad for coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. I had also contracted the virus in the summer. This is life and I wish him a speedy recovery. I will miss him and I wish him all success because I respect him as a coach and as a human being,” said Xavi.
We want to maintain the rhythm: Alexanderson
Meanwhile, Al Arabi’s assistant coach Alexanderson, who will take charge at Al Sadd Stadium today in Hallgrimsson’s absence, said his team was looking for a good show against in-form Al Sadd.
“We will definitely miss the presence of coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. We have prepared as usual and this is a good opportunity for the players to show their skills and also to shine and show their love for the group and the team,” he said.
“We try to maintain the same rhythm as happened in the past weeks. Therefore, there will not be major changes to the team, but it will be evident in the absence of the coach, whom we will certainly miss and we hope he returns quickly to the team,” he added.
The Dream Team, which defeated Al Wakrah 1-0 in their previous match, are placed sixth with 23 points.
