Al Sadd players during a training session yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd will return to Qatar Stars League action this week looking to maintain their perfect start when the top flight resumes after an international break of almost a month.
Led by Romanian coach Razvan Lucescu, Al Sadd have been brilliant in their opening four matches, collecting 12 points to sit top of the standings. They will host Al Arabi on Friday, with the leaders aiming to preserve their 100 percent record and strengthen their position at the summit.
Al Sadd used the long break to play friendly matches, losing 2-1 to the Lebanese national team on September 27 before bouncing back with a 6-0 victory over Al Shaqab on Saturday.
Several Al Sadd players were also involved with Qatar during the Gulf Cup, including Akram Afif, Hassan Al Haydos and Pedro Miguel.
Al Arabi, fourth on six points, will hope a positive result against the defending champions can lift them into the upper reaches of the table.
Al Rayyan are second on 10 points, just two behind Al Sadd, and will resume their campaign against Qatar SC on Friday. Qatar SC have collected only two points from their opening four matches and will be looking for an upset, while Al Rayyan will aim to move to the top of the standings.
Third-placed Al Shamal, who have eight points, face another important test when they take on Al Duhail on Thursday.
Al Shamal will look to strengthen their position in the top three, while Al Duhail, on six points, will be targeting a win to close the gap on the leading teams.
Lusail have also made an encouraging start to their debut season, collecting five points from four matches to occupy sixth place. They will meet Al Shahania on Saturday, with Lusail aiming to build on their promising start and move further up the table. Al Shahania, who have four points, will be looking for a win to move up the standings.
Elsewhere, Al Gharafa and Al Ahli, both on four points, will look to improve their positions when they face Al Wakrah and Al Sailiya respectively. Al Wakrah have two points, while Al Sailiya are still searching for their first point of the season.
