Both sides looking to kick-start QSL season
 
Eleventh placed Al Kharaitiyat take on Umm Salal in the quest for QSL points on Thursday evening at Al Khor stadium.

Both sides have enjoyed mixed starts in the QSL this season, and will be looking to kick-start their campaigns with three points. Al Kharaitiyat are currently just in the QSL relegation zone in eleventh place and have four points from five games.

Last time out, the Thunders fell to a 3-1 defeat to Al Rayyan a tie which saw Amir Osims side take a shock early lead before being pegged back by the reigning champions.

Osim will certainly be targeting three points, and will turn to Qatari attacker Jaralla Al-Marri for inspiration. The former Al Rayyan striker has picked up two goals from five QSL games and will be looking to add to his tally against Umm Salal.

As for Umm Salal, they have enjoyed a typically solid start to the QSL season with Turkish coach Bülent Uygun. The Orange Fortress are currently in eight placed in the QSL standings with six points from five games.

Last week, Umm Salal lost 4-2 to title chasing El Jaish in what was the first defeat of the season for the Orange Fortress. Going into the tie the key trio of Baba Malick, Yannick Sagbo and Anderson Martins where all ruled out and their absence was felt by their side.

Head coach Bülent Uygun will now be boosted by the returning trio, and will be targeting their second win of the season against the Thunders. Umm Salal have been quiet on the goal scoring front lately, they will be hoping that summer signing Tha'er Bawab can find his goal scoring touch on Thursday evening.