Doha: Al Arabi are hoping to bounce back after defeat to Al Duhail in the previous round as they meet Al Sailiya in third round of the QNB Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium, today.
Both Al Arabi and Al Sailiya have started the new season in similar fashion, earning three points each from two games, with fourth-placed ‘The Dream Team’ having an edge over the ‘The Peregrines’ on basis of a better goal difference.
Al Arabi started the season with a win over Al Wakrah and their coach Younes Ali said his team needs full points against Al Sailiya after a loss to Al Duhail.
“We have put behind the disappointment of our loss against Al Duhail. We are determined to appear with better co-ordination against Al Sailiya. We seek a better result. We look forward to a win,” Younes told a pre-match press conference.
“We suffered in the Al Duhail match as a result of many absences in the first XI and because we had to change some players from their positions. In addition, the playing harmony was also missing from our play and tactics. These are important elements to play better football. We aspire to have better harmony and team spirit among players during the upcoming matches,” he said.
Al Sailiya started their campaign on a losing note after they were beaten 2-0 by Al Sadd. They bounced back from deficit twice to beat promoted Al Shamal 3-2 in the last round.
Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi said his team must earn good results from the match in order to climb up in the standings.
“Facing Al Arabi will be difficult, especially after the development of their level from last season. They are playing in a different way and their great fan support gives them motivation, but our chances seem equal. This match is very important in our journey in the league. If we want to be at the top of the league standings, we need to get a positive result,” said Trabelsi.
“The matches between Al Sailiya and Al Arabi always have a special character. The results cannot be predicted and there is some excitement in the games. There is respect between both clubs and I hope that the match will be played at high technical and enthusiastic levels,” he added.
The match will kick off at 7:30pm after the Khalifa International Stadium will host the first match between Al Shamal and Qatar SC. Today’s other match will be played between Umm Salal and Al Ahli at Al Arabi Stadium.
