Al Shahaniya's Edu Eduardo Santos (centre) vies for the ball possession against two Al Rayyan players during their Qatar Stars League game at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in this August 17 file photo.
The sixth round of highly competitive Qatar Stars League (QSL) kicks-off this afternoon with impressive Al Shahaniya side taking on title chasing Al Sadd at Al Arabi Stadium.
Newly promoted Al Shahaniya have enjoyed a fine start in the QSL this season and are currently undefeated in four games. Last time out Jose Fernando’s men registered their second win of the season, with an impressive 2-1 victory over Al Sailiya. The Oryxes bossed the tie throughout, and goals from Mohamed Tiaiba and Abdullah Al Yazidi ensured the points not before a late Al Sailiya consolation.
Jose Fernando will be hoping that his man Mohammed Tiaiba can continue his rich vein of goal scoring form. The Algerian hit man has so far scored three goals in five QSL games, and he will have to be at his lively best if the Orxyes are to score an upset against title chasing Al Sadd.
As for the visitors, they will have been disappointed to have just taken a point against Al Gharafa last time in their thrilling 3-3 draw in round five.
The Wolves came back from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 lead on the stroke of half time. Unfortunately for Jesaldo Ferriera’s side they conceded a last gasp goal to have a share of the spoils.
The result leaves Al Sadd in third place in the QSL standings, with eleven points from five QSL games. Sadd have also yet to taste defeat this term, and are just two points of league leaders Lekhwiya.
Al Sadd’s star skipper Xavi will need to put in a composed performance in the centre of the park, if Al Sadd are to get the win against a lively Al Shahaniya side. The former Spanish international picked up his first goal of the season in the draw with Gharafa with a surging late run, and will be hoping for more against the Oryxes on Wednesday evening.
Certainly promises to be a interesting encounter when high-flying Al Shahania take on Al Sadd in the QSL spotlight match for round six.
Meanwhile, Al Khor will take on table topping Lekhwiya at their home own backyard, Al Khor Stadium.
They will be looking to build on their 3-1 win over Al Ahli last time out. Jean Fernandez’s side tends to do well against the bigger teams and will be looking for another eye catching result.
As for Lekhwiya, they are sitting pretty at the top of the QSL standings. Last time they beat the ten men of Al Arabi comprehensively 4-1. Top scorer Yusef El Arabi has been in scintillating form in front of goal this season, and will be expected to fire the Red Knights to glory.
Jean Fernandez, the head coach of Al Khor believes Lekhwiya are a tough opposition, “Lekhwiya’s team is very strong and the game is not easy. The game against Al Ahli was a good game for us. However when you play against Lekhwiya it’s a different situation.”
Djamel Belmadi, the head coach of Lekhwiya had this to say about his opponents; “Tomorrow we play against Al Khor in Al Khor. They are a good team with a good coach. They play in a way which is very dangerous for other teams. They play with strength and playing in Al Khor is always difficult but we will go there for the three points.”
“This season we could have had two more points but due to some penalties for the other team we lost those points. We had a great performance against Al Arabi but at the end of the day it will not change our results and it will not change the way we play. I just want to credit the players for their performance against Arabi and I hope they can continue the same sort of performances throughout the season,” added he Algerian head coach.
The late 7.30pm kick-off at Al Sadd Stadium, will see reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan take on Al Ahli, who have welcomed back Yusef Adam as head coach for the side.
Al Rayyan registered a 3-1 win over Al Kharitiyat last time out, and Michael Laudrup will be targeting back to back wins for his side.
Al Rayyan are currently in fourth place in the QSL standings with nine points from five games. The Lions will be looking to get the three points as look to gain ground on league leaders Lekhwiya.
As for Al Ahli they have turned to a familiar face in Yusef Adam, who guided the Brigadeers to fifth place last season. Experienced coach Adam will be targeting a statement first win over the QSL champions.
The final game of the day will see Al Sailiya take on El Jaish at Al Ahli stadium.
