Al Arabi and Al Ahli are coming off contrasting backgrounds, yet they both badly want points in order to improve their position in the QNB Stars League table.
Al Arabi had lost 0-3 to Al Gharafa, whereas Al Ahli defeated Al Shahania 2-1 in the previous round.
Al Arabi’s defeat had resulted in the dismissal of their Croatian coach Luka Bonacic. The club then handed over the charge to Under-23 coach Hatem Al Moaddeb.
The Tunisian, who started training the squad on Sunday after a two-day break following their 0-2 loss to Al Kharaitiyat in Round 2 of the QSL Cup, has a tough task on hand.
All players, except Ahmed Fathy and Mohammed El Neel, who are doing duty for the Qatar national team, and Iraqi player Ahmed Ibrahim took part in the training sessions that mainly focus on the fitness of players.
Al Arabi have won four matches and lost as many to be placed sixth with 12 points in the QNB Stars League standings.
Al Ahli, who beat Al Sailiya 2-0 in the QSL Cup during the international break, are eighth with nine points.
Brazilian Mailson de Farias and El Neel lead Al Arabi’s charge.
Czech coach Milan Macala’s wards will be keen to keep winning if they are to nurture hopes of finishing in the top bracket.
Al Ahli have players such as Meshaal Abdulla, Mohammed Muntari and Mohsine Moutaouly to lead their challenge.
Source: qsl.qa