This week’s match of round 7 of the QSL has been dubbed clash of the champions when Al Rayyan face Lekhwiya and Al Arabi take on Al Sadd in a double header on Saturday evening at the Abdulla Bin Khalifa stadium. All four teams have illustrious histories in the QSL, and have lifted the falcon shield of champions of Qatar on numerous occasions.

In the early kick-off (17:30)  Al Rayyan will face Lekhwiya, which will be a true test of Al Rayyan’s title credentials. The Lions have won every tie so far this season in the QSL, which is an unprecedented start for the side. Last time out they defeated rivals Al Arabi 5-2 in a frantic derby tie, which saw plenty of fans pack the stands to see the action.

Whilst Lekhwiya stumbled to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Al Gharafa in their re-arranged round 1 match. Lekhwiya could have come away with all three points, if Slovakian midfielder Vladimir Weiss was able to convert from the penalty spot on the 80^th minute. Lekhwiya are currently in sixth in the league and have already lost twice this season. The Red Knights cannot afford to drop anymore points, if they are looking to lift the falcon shield for the fifth time in six seasons.

Al Rayyan can count on a fully fit squad for this crunch tie, and will be looking to Spanish Striker Sergio Garcia to provide the goal threat. The former Espanyol striker has settled well into Al Rayyan and scored in each of Rayyan’s matches this October.

Lekhwiya will be without influential midfielder Karim Boudiaf, who his still serving a suspension. The red Knights are also likely to be without defender Chico Flores who is currently injured. South Korean midfielder Nam Tae Hee will be crucial for his side if Lekhwiya are looking to upset the odds and defeat a rampant Al Rayyan side.


Al Arabi face Al Sadd in the later kick-off (1945) This battle against fourth and third in the league should be an entertaining tie with both sides looking to gain advantage over each other in the hunt for the falcon shield.

Both teams come into the tie after frustrating results in round 6 of the QSL. Arabi slumped to a 5-2 defeat to league leaders Al Rayyan in the much anticipated derby match. Whilst the fans will be hurting from the result, Arabi midfielder Ali Jassemi has assured that his side will go out to defeat Sadd to restore pride to the fans, which haven’t seen Al Arabi lift a league title in over 18 years.

Al Sadd endured a frustrating 0-0 draw with Al Khor, who played the majority of the game with just ten men. Sadd had over 20 attempts on goal in that match, and will be hoping to get back to goal scoring ways in this match.  Hussain Amoutta’s side still remains unbeaten in the league and will be looking for all three points to close the gap on league leaders Al Rayyan.

Al Arabi will be without first choice keeper Rajab Hamza, who was sent off against Al Rayyan. Keeper Ali Shabban should be covering for the suspended player. Before the Rayyan match Arabi had only lost once in the league, and will be relying on experienced French Defender Rod Fani in stopping the goal threat of Sadd.

Al Sadd should be at full strength for the match, and will be turning to the trickery of Hassan Haydoos to unlock the Arabi defense who have only conceded 8 goals this season. The Qatari international was QFA player of the year last season, and has been in fine attacking form for the Wolves this season notching up plenty of assists.

It promises to be an enjoyable match when these two rivals meet at the Abdulla Bin Khalifa on Saturday evening kick of 19:45. You can buy your tickets here.