Qatar giants Al Duhail, one of the top clubs in Asia, will look to dictate terms in the QNB Stars League season that kicks off in August. 

Winners of the QNB Stars League title, Al Duhail have already done what top teams usually do: they have retained winning coach Djamel Belmadi while continuing with influential players like Moroccan Yousef Al-Arabi, who was the top scorer last season, South Korea's dreaded striker Nam-Tae Hee along with the ever reliable Brazilian Lucas Mendez.

By winning three trophies last season, Al Duhail have raised the bar in Qatar and in Asia with their indomitable performances on a football pitch. 

Currently preparing for the new QNB Stars League season, Al Duhail will also feature in the 2018 AFC Champions League quarter-finals in August, having reached the knockout phase of Asia's biggest club competition unbeaten from February until May this year.

For coach Belmadi's side, the challenge lies within the team itself. It remains to be seen how they fare in the new season. With nothing to prove in terms of consistency and win-ratio in team sports, Al Duhail will definitely be looking to make early inroads when they open the season against Al Shahaniya on August 5. 

Winners of the Qatar league title six times in the last few years, Al Duhail will be a massive force in the new season as well.

Al Duhail are expected to have fierce battles with Doha giants Al Sadd, former champions Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa. A stable Al Duhail last year looked unstoppable. With reliable and in-form players on their roster, Al Duhail should set the tone when the new football season kicks off in a few week's time.

No new player has been contracted for the 2018-19 season but there are some who have returned to the club such as Mohamed Muntari, Mohammed Al-Bakri, who ended his loan with Al Markhiya, and Madibo, who returned to Al  Duhail after his loan spell with Al Gharafa.

Al Duhail have kicked of their pre-season training two days ago. Belmadi and his squad will leave for Austria on July 10 for an 18-day trip to Europe.

Once they return to Doha, Al Duhail will meet with Al Rayyan on August 1 in the one-off final of the Sheikh Jassim Cup. 

Four days later, Al Duhail will arrive at Al Sadd Stadium to launch the defence of the QNB Stars League title they handsomely won last season.