Third placed Al Rayyan will be looking to maintain their standing in the league when they take on Al Khor on Friday evening. Lions boss Michael Laudrup spoke to the local media ahead of the tie. 

Laudrup opened up the press conference noting that Al Khor will be a stern test for his side. “The game has changed now for Al Khor, the pressure is off them now but both sides will still be looking to win the match and end the domestic season well. Al Khor defeated us earlier in the season 2-1 and we will be aiming to avenge this defeat. 

“We have not won our last two games, but we have played well against Al Arabi and Persepolis. Now we need to keep up the momentum going into tough games in the Qatar Cup and AFC Champions league” added the Danish coach when asked about his sides recent form. 

Laudrup ended the press conference suggesting that he will be making changes for the game. “Sebastian will be absent through suspension, we will be looking at some players and changing the players who have played in the recent games. One change will be Musa Haroon who will play at centre back.”

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Al Khor are now safe from the threat of relegation, following the merger of El Jaish and Lekhwiya. Knights boss Jean Fernandez revealed his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game. 

Fernandez opened up the press conference with a word on his Friday evening opponents. “We have achieved our goal of surviving this season, and we will have a tough match against an Al Rayyan side who has done very well in the AFC Champions League this season”

“I will look to change some players for the game, I will be assessing the squad over the next few days to decide” added the French coach. 

Al Khor’s boss ended the press conference stating his aim’s for the remainder of the season. “Now we are safe, we will use this match as preparation for the Emir Cup. We defeated Al Rayyan last time in the league and we are aiming to beat them again, which will be a real achievement for my side” added the French coach.