Doha [Qatar], October 30: Al Sadd face a tough test against Al Shamal in the Doha Bank Stars League on Friday, while leaders Al Rayyan look to maintain their unbeaten run when they take on Al Arabi on Saturday.
The clash between defending champions Sadd and last season's runners-up Shamal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium is one of the highlights of the round, with both teams looking to bounce back in the domestic competition after contrasting results in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Sadd returned to winning ways in the league with a 4-0 victory over Al Shahania last week after suffering two successive defeats. The win kept the champions second in the standings on 15 points, two behind leaders Rayyan, as they continue their bid for a fourth consecutive title.
Razvan Lucescu's side also earned their first point in the continental campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia's Al Qadsiah, having taken the lead before conceding an equaliser late in the match.
Sadd will now look to build on that performance against a Shamal side buoyed by their impressive 3-1 victory over Saudi giants Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite. However, David Prats' men have struggled in the domestic competition, going winless in their last four league matches to slip to sixth place with nine points.
Lucescu stressed the importance of preparation amid a congested schedule, saying his players must remain focused and deliver a strong performance to secure all three points.
Prats acknowledged the challenge posed by the defending champions, describing Sadd as the best team over the past two seasons. He said his coaching staff had studied their strengths and weaknesses and hoped his players would carry the winning mentality they showed against Al Hilal into Friday's match.
On Saturday, the spotlight will turn to Al Thumama Stadium, where unbeaten leaders Rayyan take on fourth-placed Arabi in a meeting between two sides. Rayyan are chasing their first league title since 2016 and will aim to preserve their two-point advantage over Sadd.
DBSL Rround 8 Fixtures
Friday
Al Shahania vs Al Ahli at Al Khor Stadium | 5:15pm; Al Sadd vs Al Shamal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium | 7:30pm; Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium | 7:30pm
Saturday
Al Sailiya vs Lusail at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium | 5:15pm; Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan at Al Thumama Stadium | 7:30pm; Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium | 7:30pm
Source: Qatar Tribune
