QSL: Al Rayyan look to cut Lekhwiya lead in key clash

Defending champions Al Rayyan are eyeing a victory against Lekhwiya to remain in hunt for their successive Qatar Stars League (QSL) title as the football giants clash at Al Sadd Stadium today.
Al Rayyan are third in the table and are desperate to secure a victory after a draw in their last match.
However, beating Lekhwiya who are yet to lose a match this season is nothing less than an uphill task and Al Rayyan head coach Michael Laudrup (pictured) is aware of the fact.
"It’s a big game, we are playing the top team in the league they have not lost any game this season and they are having a fantastic season. Last time we were very close to beat them but they scored in injury time. So we will try to win this time,” said Laudrup
Speaking about his ambition this season, the Danish coach added: “Even if we win the last 7 games I don’t think we will be number one because Lekhwiya will not lose many points."
 "But what we will do is try to win this game and put the ball in motion for the title race. I think Lekhwiya will win the title because they win even the tight games. Even if we beat them in the game they will still manage to win the league,” Laudrup said at the press conference yesterday.
Lekhwiya are cruising at the top of the table and are undefeated this season. The Cops will be looking to push further ahead in the race by getting the three points against Rayyan.
Bruno Oliviera, the assistant coach of Lekhwiya, is treating this game like the rest.
“The game preparation has been normal like we did against every other team. We work on the training ground and we get the confidence. The expectation is the same which is to win the game,” he said.
 “It's too early to think about winning the league. We stick to the game, we think game by game. He (Laudrup) wants to take the pressure of his players by making this statement.
"We have been consistent and we hope we can continue this trend. There is only a five-point difference, which is not a lot so we can’t be relaxed and take it for granted,” added the Portuguese assistant.
Speaking about the importance of the game, Oliviera added: “Every game is decisive every game is three points. I don’t think this game is decisive for the title.”
Meanwhile, Al Shahania take on El Jaish in round twenty of the QSL. The match will take place at the Al Arabi stadium on Saturday.Al Shahaniya are in the drop zone in twelfth position with sixteen points.
The Oryxes will be looking for the win against an out of form El Jaish.
Igor Stimac, the head coach of Al Shahania had this to say about the upcoming game.
“El Jaish is a great team, they are fourth in the league. They lost a couple of games and probably psychologically shocked after losing the AFC Champions League qualifying game," he said.
 "I am satisfied with my team, everyone is giving their all, they're staying for video work after training so that is all that I need from my players.
“We don’t need to hide that we are looking forward to winning the game. I’m very confident in my players I can feel the mentality of the players. And if we win it can take us out of the danger zone,” added the Croatian.
Stimac also spoke about his team's chances of survival.
“I trust my team and players for staying in the league. They understand and implement everything I tell them. We work as a family and that’s what we need,” he said.
El Jaish, fresh from being knocked out of the AFC Champions League are finding it difficult to win matches as they are now fourth in the table. The Soldiers will be gunning for the win to get themselves back on track.
Sabri Lamouchi, the head coach of El Jaish, made no qualms about the situation his team is in.
“It’s a tough moment for El Jaish now especially after exiting Champions League. Now against Shahania, we need to win this game to get back in the league and we need to score goals because you can only win if you score goals,” said the coach.
“With the new coach Shahania is a different team with a new system, new players, and fresh perspective. They had good games previously and we are looking forward to a tough game,” added the Frenchman.