The new QSL season is set to start on the 15^th of September with all 14 clubs looking forward to taking part in the action. Ahead of the big kick off QSL online will be previewing the sides, assessing their chances and highlighting some key players who could make a difference for their perspective sides. Today we are looking at the top four sides in the league in Lekhwiya, Al Sadd, El Jaish and last year’s QSL champions Al Rayyan.

Lekhwiya

Djamel Belmadi’s side endured a frustrating league campaign last year, eventually finishing in fourth place. It wasn’t all bad for the Red Knights as they picked up the Emir Cup for the first time in their history.

On the transfer front and Lekhwiya have secured the services of Moroccan striker Yusef El Arabi from La Liga Side Granada. The former Al Hilal striker has signed a three year deal with Lekhwiya and will bring some much needed firepower to the side.

Domestically, Lekhwiya have secured the signature of defender Vivien Assie Koua and goalkeeper Qasem Burhan from Kharitiyat and Gharafa respectively. The club also moved in the summer to secure many of their stars to longer term contracts including defender Mohammed Mussa and influencial midfielder Yusef Msakni.

Having won the QSL title twice in the last three seasons it’s understandable that Djamel Belmadi will be looking to finsh first this season. Providing Yusef El Arabi can get amongst the goals early, the Red Knights have a realistic title shot this term.

Al Sadd

It was an ultimately a disappointing campaign for Al Sadd last term after the headline grabbing signing of Xavi from FC Barcelona. However Qatars most successful ever side came away from the season empty handed. Head coach Jesaldo Ferriera has taken his first full preseason with the club, and will be charged with pushing the Wolves all the way in the league and cup competitions.

 In terms of professional signings, long serving player Nadir Belhadj has left the club and been replaced by defender Jugurtha Hamroun. Ferriera has also elected to keep the vast majority of his local players with Al Rayyan defender Hamid Ismail arriving on loan the only signing of note so far.

Sadd dominated sides at times last season, yet failed to kill off the game with a crucial goal. In Bagdad Bounjah, Sadd have a young attacker who could potentially thrive at this level. The Algerian will have to be at his brilliant best if Sadd are to have a chance of lifting the falcon shield come the end of the season.
 
 
 
El Jaish

El Jaish enjoyed a fine season under head coach Sabri Lamouchi, finishing runners up in the league and picking up their first ever Qatar Cup.

In terms of professional players, El Jaish’s hand was forced in August when striker Abdulrazak Hamdullah suffered a long term injury. The club moved quickly to pick up former FC Barcelona midfielder Seidou Keita on a free transfer.

It’s been a busy summer on the transfer front domestically for Sabri Lamouchi’s side securing a total of five local players. These include Lekhwiya duo of Dame Traoré and Ahmed Abdul Maqsoud, Al Sadd youngster Hamza Sanhaji along with Mohammed Abdrab from Al Kharaitiyat and Fahd Abdullah picked up from Al Khor.

Providing Sabri Lamouchi can build on an impressive season last term, and be able to intergrate his new players, El Jaish have a realistic chance of winning their first ever QSL title.
 
Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan blew away the competition last term to lift their first QSL falcon shield in 21 years. Head coach Jorge Fossati was the mastermind behind the Lions charge to the title, and the Uraguyan coach was rewarded with a three year contract extension.

In terms of professional players Rayyan have stuck with the quartet of Sergio Garcia, Gonzalo Viera, Víctor Cáceres and Koh Myong-jin for another season. Whilst domestically the club have been quiet, with only Damiel Goumma returning from a domestic ban and winger Musab Mahmood signing from El Jaish.

Stability is key for any championship winning side, and Rayyan have done a good job in keeping their star players. The biggest signing of the summer, perhaps could be Fossati himself who has had proven results at QSL level. Providing the Al Rayyan squad stay focused, they could have a strong chance of picking up their second QSL title in as many years.