Al Duhail’s players during a training session ahead of this weekend's QNB Stars League clash against Al Sadd.
Points leaders Al Duhail will be looking to produce a winning end against Doha giants Al Sadd when the two clash in round 9 of the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium (Al Duhail) on Saturday.
After eight rounds, Rui Faria’s Al Duhail have a tally of 20 points, just a couple ahead of former champions Al Rayyan.
In third place are Al Sadd (15 points), coached by Barcelona legend and former skipper Xavi Hernandez.
“Not starting the match well is dangerous in every time we play. It is difficult for any coach to look for a good start or a good end,” Al Duhail’s Portuguese coach Faria said after his side beat Al Gharafa three days ago.
“I always prefer that the team begins and ends the match well and than getting the win,” Faria said. “(Against Al Gharafa), we faced an well coordinated side but our players continued to fought on the pitch and fought until the last minute,” Faria said.
“What I am thinking is about the upcoming match and achieving victory (against Al Sadd). Our players have to focus on this game. We know that the competitors for the QNB Stars League title are many and there are circumstances that control each match like losing our player Louis Martin in the next match,” Faria said.
Faria said his quick change of plans helped the side win against Al Gharafa who take on Al Khor on Saturday.
“We did not begin the match in a good way and it was clear that the players were nervous. However, in the second half after I made some changes, we were able to create many opportunities and in the end we got deserving win,” Faria said.
Xavi said after round eight: “We have games against Al Duhail and Qatar SC coming up, and we must prepare well for them.”
The ninth round of the QNB Stars League, which kicks off next tomorrow, will witness important matches.
At the beginning of the round tomorrow, Qatar SC will meet Al Shahania SC at Suheim bin Hamad Stadium while Al Sailiya SC take on Al Rayyan at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium (Al Ahli Club).
On Friday, Al Ahli will play against Umm Salal at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium and Al Arabi SC against Al Wakra.
The 9th round will conclude on Saturday with Al Khor against Al Gharafa at Al Khor Stadium and Al Duhail against Al Sadd at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium at Al Duhail Club.
Both Al Ahli and Umm Salal lost in the last round, so they will be desperate to collect points when they face off.
Al Arabi face Al Wakrah, who were held goalless by Al Khor last week. Al Arabi are now fifth in the table with 13 points, so they are sure to go all out against Al Wakrah, eighth with eight points, in their bid to be back among the top four.
Al Khor take on Al Gharafa in the other fixture. Al Khor, 10th with five points, badly need points to stay away from the danger zone, whereas Al Gharafa, fourth with 14 points, will be satisfied with nothing less than a victory.
