Doha: Al Wakrah face former Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Lekhwiya today knowing that three points will effectively secure their status in the QSL for another season.
The Blue Waves are currently in eleventh in the QSL standings just four points away from the relegation zone.
Coach Mauricio Larriera was clear about the task at hand for his side.
“Al Wakrah are facing one of the best teams in Qatar, with the best players.”
Larriera was also eager to note the quality of the Lekhwiya side, and noted the recent international break could be an advantage for his side.
“They have a high number of players in the Qatar national team. This shows how much quality they have, but they have had many players on international duty and this could be an advantage”
Al Wakrah are fighting for their QSL status for another season, and will be without star striker Sasha for the match.
“It is a big blow for us, but we will have to overcome this.”
As for Lekhwiya, they head into the clash off the back of a 3-2 defeat to top-4 rivals Al Sadd.
Coach Djamel Belmadi was eager to stress that this will not be an easy game for the Red Knights.
“Al Wakrah are not an easy side to play, they are fighting to stay in the league. We need to win the game to confirm our status in the top 4, it will a tough game,” admitted the Algerian tactician.
Lekhwiya have a host of international players on duty, including seven players in the Qatar national team. With the players only returning on Wednesday evening, it means a quick turnaround for today’s game. A point that Belmadi is not happy with.
“We have plenty of players out this week and they have only just returned from long flights with a few players injured we will try our best with the players we have.”
When pushed on the injured players, Belmadi remained coy.
“I cannot tell you right now, but three players have come back with knocks and will face a late fitness test. One player who will be out is Mohammed Moussa through suspension.”
Despite the lack of key players at his disposal, Belmadi was confident his side can confirm their status in the Qatar Cup.
“I will be shuffling the squad in this game, with our AFC Champion’s League commitments. I am confident we will be able to get three points.”
Belmadi’s side knows that a win will confirm their place in the Qatar Cup for this season. So plenty will be on the line in this match up.
Last time out Lekhwiya emphatically beat Al Wakrah 6-2 with South Korean attacker Nam-Tae Hee grabbing a hat-trick for the Red Knights.
In the other match today, El Jaish will be looking to build on their victory over Al Rayyan when they face up against relegation threatened Qatar SC.
El Jaish are currently in second place with forty-three points from twenty-three games.
They won their last game against first placed Al Rayyan and they will be hoping to continue their good form against Qatar SC.
Sabri Lamouchi, the head coach of El Jaish is confident in his team’s ability ahead of the game. “Following the last match in the league against Al Rayyan we know that our destiny is in our hands. We are doing our best to keep the second position. Qatar SC is fighting relegation and its going to be a difficult match,” said the Frenchman.
Qatar SC are still battling it out in the drop zone.
However, a win against El Jaish will give their survival hopes a major boost. The Kings have twenty-two points from twenty-three games which leaves them in thirteenth position.
Sebastiao Lazaroni, the head coach of Qatar SC spoke about the importance of the three points.
“We need the victory in this match. We need all our strengths for this match. We know that El Jaish are in the champions league and in second place but I think Qatar SC has the capacity to overcome this challenge.”
“Our main challenge is that we need 3 points. We know that El Jaish have a good team but if you look at our form since January it gives us hope. We need to fight for the victory as it is necessary for us,” added the Brazilian tactician.
The Peninsula
