Al Arabi players take part in a training session, yesterday.
Doha: Younes Ali is not fond of going into ifs and buts as the QNB Stars League (QSL) sides look to improve their standings ahead of the return leg stage. Al Arabi coach instead has set a simple formula for the points leaders – fight for the “maximum points” in every match.
As the Dream Team which leads the table with 22 points faces Al Sadd in Qatar derby, Younes says victory will be his team’s aim to keep their two-point lead over Al Duhail intact.
Returning to full strength with the likes of Akram Afif, Hassan Al Haydous, Baghdad Bounedjah and Andrew Ayew back, defending champions Al Sadd are desperate for points before it is too late.
The Wolves struggled in the start of the season and are on eighth place in the standings with only 10 points from 8 matches. Younes is aware of the challenge Al Sadd pose but is confident Al Arabi can continue momentum in the tough clash.
“Al Sadd must be looking for wins after losing points in their early matches they played without their key players. They are a tough side now but Al Arabi have the ability to beat them and we are looking to give a strong performance,” Al Arabi coach told a pre-match press conference.
“Our goal in the Al Sadd match is to win and get three points. We do not think about the league or the table. We only focus on the next round and appearing well,” he added.
Al Sadd have been further boosted with the return of players who featured in the recently-concluded 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Iraq, with coach Juan Manuel Lillo ‘Juanma’ hoping to see team clinch wins in rest of the league.
“With all these players back in the side, a new and different path begins for the team,” Al Sadd coach said.
“We are aware of the challenges of the clash against Al Arabi. We will play with full force and in a way that will help us win the three points,” Juanma added.
The Qatar derby will kick off at 7pm at Grand Hamad Stadium today.
Al Sadd players during a training session ahead of today's QNB Stars League match against Al Arabi.
Al Duhail eye top spot
Al Duhail, meanwhile, are favourites to take full points against Al Shamal at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium earlier today.
The Red Knights are keeping close pursuit of Al Arabi and will be hoping to replace Younes’ side in their Week 11 clash.
“While we face Al Shamal, leaders Al Arabi will face champions Al Sadd and we will be eager to know the result of this match to know whether Al Sadd will return to compete for the title or Al Arabi will continue to lead,” Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo said.
“But the most important thing is that we beat Al Shamal. And we must show everyone that Al Duhail are one of the best clubs in the league,” he added.
Al Shamal have done well in the season so far as they are ahead of Al Sadd on goal difference after claiming three wins and a draw from seven matches, one less than the Wolves.
Coach Hisham Zahid said Al Duhail will be a real test for Al Shamal.
“Our competitors are a strong team and have players of a high level. Al Shamal are ready for the match at the psychological, physical and tactical levels. We will strive to achieve the best result despite the difficulty of match against a great team that seeks top position in the league,” he said.
The venue will later host the match between Al Markhiya and Al Ahli set to begin at 7pm. While Al Ahli are in the top four, Al Markhiya are ninth and would aim to challenge their rivals.
Today
4:30pm: Al Shamal vs Al Duhail at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium
7:00pm: Al Markhiya vs Al Ahli at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium
7:00pm: Al Arabi vs Al Sadd at Grand Hamad Stadium
Tomorrow
4:30pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium
4:30pm: Qatar SC vs Umm Salal at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium
7:00pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium
