Al Shamal players in action during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Stars League action returns today after an international football break of almost a month, with Al Shamal and Al Duhail meeting at Al Bayt Stadium in an intriguing Week 5 clash.
Third-placed Al Shamal, on eight points, will take on Al Duhail, who have six points and are fifth. Defending champions Al Sadd lead the standings with 12 points from four matches, with Al Rayyan second on 10.
Al Shamal have made a strong start to the season and will be looking to stay among the leading pack after being held to a 1-1 draw by Al Wakrah in their last league outing. Al Duhail, meanwhile, were held by Al Shahania and will be eager to return to winning ways.
The match also gives Al Shamal an opportunity to make amends for last season, when they lost both of their league meetings with Al Duhail.
Al Duhail's Almoez Ali (right) and Sultan Al-Brake during a training session yesterday.
“We lost both matches against Al Duhail last season and are looking to make amends in tomorrow’s game; victory is our sole objective,” Al Shamal coach David Prats said at a press conference yesterday.
Prats said his team were excited about the return of league action and would need to be at their best against Al Duhail, whom he described as one of the strongest teams in the league.
Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi said his side had used the long break to prepare for the next phase, including QSL Cup matches.
“We aim to translate the preparations made during the break into positive results in the coming period. We are ready for this match and will work diligently to secure the three points,” Belmadi said.
He expects a challenging contest against an Al Shamal side that has been making “progressive strides”.
Al Gharafa, Al Wakrah look to climb after slow starts
At Khalifa International Stadium, Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah will meet at 8pm, with both sides looking to improve their positions after difficult starts to the season.
Amir Cup champions Al Gharafa are ninth with four points from four matches. They have one win so far and were held to a goalless draw by promoted Lusail in their previous outing.
Al Wakrah are 10th with two points and are still searching for their first victory of the campaign.
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins believes the break has given his side greater options as they enter a demanding phase of the season.
“We are now entering a new phase of challenging matches. However, we have more options available and a squad that offers plenty of solutions,” Martins said.
He added that the players were working hard to improve the team’s early-season form, describing the Al Wakrah match as “crucial for the team”.
Al Wakrah coach Jose Sierra said his team used the long break to prepare not only for the Al Gharafa clash but also for the remaining league matches.
“Recent preparations were not limited to the upcoming clash with Al Gharafa; they also encompassed preparations for the remaining league matches in general,” Sierra said.
“The break was long and we tried to utilise the QSL Cup matches to give opportunities to players who had not been featuring regularly in the league,” he added.
Meanwhile, Qatar SC face Al Rayyan at Lusail Stadium tomorrow, before leaders Al Sadd host Al Arabi at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 8pm. On Saturday, Al Shahania meet Lusail at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Ahli face Al Sailiya at Al Thumama Stadium.
