Al Rayyan face leaders and holders Al Duhail in a heavyweight encounter in Week 14 of the QNB Stars League on Sunday, 2nd December. The kick-off is at 18:30 at the Al Gharafa Stadium.
Al Duhail have 34 points with one game yet to play (against Al Sadd due to the latter’s AFC Champions League commitment). They have won 11 matches and are the only unbeaten side in the 12-team competition.
The only time The Red Knights dropped points was when they were held goalless by Al Rayyan in the first leg of QNB Stars League.
Al Duhail have a goal difference of +26 (33 goals for and seven against). Their defence is the best, having conceded just seven goals. Only Al Sadd come near them with 10 goals.
They are moving closer towards retaining the QNB Stars League title as they already have an eight-point lead over second-placed Al Sadd.
Al Duhail have Moroccan striker Yousef El Arabi, the last two season’s league top scorer, in their ranks along with an array of stars.
The Lions, who too have players of great calibre, will be keen to halt the rivals’ outstanding run.
Al Rayyan are placed fourth on 23 points (six wins, five draws and two defeats). They have a goal difference of +2, having scored 14 goals and conceded 12.
Al Duhail are hit by a cruciate ligament tear to South Korean midfielder Nam Tae-Hee, whereas Al Rayyan’s injured striker Sebastian Soria is a doubtful starter.
Al Duhail will not want to fumble at any stage in their bid to lift the league shield for one more time. The same is the case with Al Rayyan as they need to be in the top four. So that will make the contest pulsating.
Al Rayyan drew 1-1 with Umm Salal, while Al Duhail beat Al Khor 1-0 in the last round.
Source: qsl.qa