QSL online caught up with Al Arabi player Mesaab Mahmoud ahead of his sides derby match against Al Ahli.

What are your expectations for the derby game?
It certainly will be a difficult  for both teams , Al Ahli are trying to stay far from the relegation zone. We have our won ambitions to be in the top four, I expect this  will be a tight game.

What do you think of this derby game?
We are local rivals, the games are always passionate ones. I think we have been on good from, especially after beating El Jaish. Arabi are going into this game on a high.

Al Arabi has lacked stability this season, why do you think this is?
I think that at times we have lacked confidence. We already have a good squad of quality players, who should be winning most of our games. At times this season with have lacked that mental focus and luck that we need to win games.

Who will have the upper hand in the derby match?
Al Ahli owns distinguished players such as Meshaal Abdullah & Ali Qaderi who will be a threat in this match, despite this  Al Arabi has history on our side, I  think we will come away with the three points.  

Can Al Arabi make the top 4?
We definitely have a chance with four rounds remaining. We are looking forward to winning all of the four games, and hoping Al Sadd can slip up giving us a chance to grab this prize.

What is your team’s ambition this season?
We must finish in the highest possible position, and compete in the remaining cup competitions.

How do you assess your performance with Al Arabi this season?
Personally, I have played well in the games I have been involved with. The importance is that we help to push Al Arabi forward, and that has been shown with our position in the league.

What is your personal ambition with Al Arabi?
My aim with Al Arabi is to contribute to winning a trophy for this great club. This team has been without a trophy for some time now, and I would love to help this team get back to winning ways.