Al Arabi's Michael Olunga (left) in action during team's training session.
DOHA: Al Arabi and Al Ahli kick off the ninth round of the Qatar Stars League at Al Thumama Stadium today, with just two points separating the teams in the standings.
Fourth-placed Al Arabi have 13 points, two more than Al Ahli, who are fifth. Al Arabi were held to a draw by Al Rayyan in their previous outing, while Al Ahli secured a win over Al Shahania.
Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra expects a demanding contest and wants his side to be more decisive in front of goal.
“We face a difficult challenge against a well-organised opponent that has been performing well this season and holds a genuine ambition to climb the rankings," he said.
"We have moved on from the Al Rayyan match although we displayed a high level of tactical discipline, dominating possession and performing as the better side. We lacked the final touch and decisiveness in front of goal, which cost us two points,” Contra added.
“We have no choice but to enter the match with complete focus, impose our style of play from the very beginning, score goals and secure the victory we desperately need at this stage.”
Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic said his team will need the same approach that helped them beat Al Shahania.
“We aim to maintain our positive results and strong performances, especially in what stands as one of our toughest and most important matches. Al Arabi are one of the league’s top sides this season, boasting a talented squad with a distinct style of play.
“We must respect all our opponents and approach every game with complete seriousness, an attitude that was clearly evident in our previous match against Al Shahania. We will carry this same mindset into the game against Al Arabi, remaining fully focused on securing a win,” said Jovovic.
Today’s second match will see Al Wakrah take on Al Shahania at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium, with both sides looking to recover from defeats in their previous round matches.
Al Wakrah are sixth on 11 points after losing to Al Duhail, while Al Shahania sit 10th with seven points following their defeat to Al Ahli. The two sides will be looking to turn around their recent results and pick up valuable points.
Leaders Al Sadd, Al Rayyan face off
The round’s biggest fixture comes on Sunday when Al Sadd meet Al Rayyan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, with both teams entering the crucial clash on 18 points.
Defending champions Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Duhail are level at the top after eight rounds, making every point increasingly important.
Al Duhail will be in action tomorrow against Al Gharafa at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, giving them a chance to put pressure on the two leaders before they meet.
Saturday also features Al Shamal against Al Sailiya at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, while Sunday’s earlier game sees Lusail face Qatar SC.
Al Shamal, Lusail and Al Gharafa are all on nine points, with Qatar SC on six and Al Sailiya at the bottom with one point.
