The matches between Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa always evoke a keen interest on and off the field, and it will not be different this time too. The kick-off is at 19:35 at the Al Sadd Stadium.
This is also easily the pick of the games in Week 9 of the QNB Stars League.
This is a game between two traditional forces on Qatar’s football scene. Nothing less than a victory will satisfy Al Rayyan, placed fourth with 14 points, and Al Gharafa, seventh on 10 points.
Al Rayyan always benefit much from their die-hard fans’ support. Both sides have star players in their ranks and that adds to the excitement.
Al Rayyan are coming off a 0-1 loss to Al Khor, while Al Gharafa are on a high after their 3-0 win over Al Arabi.
The defeats had seen both losing sides and their coaches part ways.
While Al Rayyan replaced Argentinian Rodolfo Arraubarrena with Bulent Uygun, who coached Al Gharafa in the second half of last season, Al Arabi dismissed Croat Luka Bonacic and gave charge to their Under-23 coach Hatem Al Moaddeb.
A win will help Al Rayyan stay in the top four, while it is a must for Al Gharafa in their bid to be among the top quartet.
Both teams have good players in attack and defence.
Al Rayyan’s charge will be led by Sebastian Soria, Lucca Borges and Rodrigo Tabatta.
Al Gharafa have the likes of Mehdi Taremi, Ahmed Alaaeldin and Vladimir Weiss.
Source: qsl.qa