Doha: Football fans across Qatar are looking forward to this weekend’s big Round 19 game between runaway QSL leaders Al Rayyan and top four contenders Al Arabi.
The Lions are within touching distance of claiming their first Falcon Shield since 1995, while the Dream Team are aiming to cement their position in the Qatar Cup places.
Al Rayyan have lost just once all season, while Al Arabi go into the game on the back of impressive wins against Al Gharafa and Lekhwiya.
Al Rayyan have blazed an incredible trail this season after winning promotion from the Qatar Gas League. Jorge Fossati’s men are currently 15 points clear at the top after winning 17 of their 18 matches so far.
They will have to do without inspirational captain Rodrigo Tabata against Al Arabi though, after he suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-0 victory over Al Khor. Spanish striker Sergio Garcia will also be missing, meaning Sebastian Soria will be the main focal point of the Lions’ attack.
The task of defeating Al Rayyan is a tough one for Arabi to face. However, Gianfranco Zola’s men are in good form themselves and will feel confident of taking all three points.
New signing Alan Souza has made a big difference for Arabi in recent matches, while the experienced Paulinho and Ashkan Dejagah are sure to create problems for the Rayyan defence.
Al Sadd and Umm Salal are hot on the heels of Arabi going into the business end of the season, and anything but a positive result here is likely to see the Grand Hamad Stadium side drop out of the top four. It promises to be a pulsating match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday night.
The QSL’s round 19 fixtures will take place from February 18 to 20.
The Peninsula
