Umm Salal will have nothing, but the top-four spot in mind when they host Qatar SC in Week 9 of the QNB Stars League at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Saturday, 20th October.
Umm Salal are fifth with 13 points, one less than Al Rayyan and three adrift of third-placed Al Sailiya.
On the other hand, Qatar SC, under Argentinian Sergio Batista who replaced Abdulla Mubarak, are ninth with seven points. They are on same number of points as promoted team Al Shahania, but ahead on goal difference.
The Kings need points sooner rather than later to stay clear of the danger zone. They will also be keen to build on their 2-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat in the last round.
Umm Salal, coached by Frenchman Laurent Banide, had lost to reigning champions Al Duhail 0-2 in Week 8 of the QNB Stars League, but only after giving a tough fight.
The Orange Fortress put up a strong performance in the second half. However, they were done in by an early goal. Al Duhail added another goal at the fag end of the game even as Umm Salal looked like equalising any time.
Umm Salal mainly have players like Yannick Sagbo, Mahmoud Al Mawas and Ismail Mahmoud to deliver the goods.
They will miss Abdulaziz Al Yahri, who recently underwent an operation at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital Aspetar to repair an ankle injury.
Qatar SC have Cameroonian star Samuel Eto’o to lead their attack, with good support from Syrian striker Osama Omari and Iraqi forward Hussein Ali.
Source: qsl.qa