Football fans across Qatar are looking forward to this weekend’s big 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. Rayyan have lost just once all season, while Arabi go into the game on the back of impressive wins against Al Gharafa and Lekhwiya.
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 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 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. Fans should not expect a repeat of the reverse fixture, which ended in a crushing 5-2 victory for Rayyan – this one should be much closer.
Round 19 Fixtures
The QSL’s round 19 fixtures will take place from 18-20 February.
There’s a double-header at Al Khor Stadium on Thursday 18 February: Al Kharaitiyat vs Mesaimeer (kick-off 4:45 PM) followed by Lekhwiya vs El Jaish (kick-off 7:15 PM).
On Friday Al Khor take on Al Sadd (kick-off 4:45 PM) at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. There’s also a double-header at Seham Bin Hamad Stadium as Qatar Sports Club take on Al Ahli (kick-off 4:45 PM), followed by Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya (kick-off 7:15 PM).
On Saturday Al Gharafa take on Al Wakrah (kick-off 4:45 PM) at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, followed by the Match of the Week between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan (kick-off 7:15 PM) at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
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. Rayyan have lost just once all season, while Arabi go into the game on the back of impressive wins against Al Gharafa and Lekhwiya.
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 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 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. Fans should not expect a repeat of the reverse fixture, which ended in a crushing 5-2 victory for Rayyan – this one should be much closer.
Round 19 Fixtures
The QSL’s round 19 fixtures will take place from 18-20 February.
There’s a double-header at Al Khor Stadium on Thursday 18 February: Al Kharaitiyat vs Mesaimeer (kick-off 4:45 PM) followed by Lekhwiya vs El Jaish (kick-off 7:15 PM).
On Friday Al Khor take on Al Sadd (kick-off 4:45 PM) at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. There’s also a double-header at Seham Bin Hamad Stadium as Qatar Sports Club take on Al Ahli (kick-off 4:45 PM), followed by Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya (kick-off 7:15 PM).
On Saturday Al Gharafa take on Al Wakrah (kick-off 4:45 PM) at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, followed by the Match of the Week between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan (kick-off 7:15 PM) at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
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