Umm Salal will face current QSL league leaders in the round 16 match of the week. Both teams will be primed for this encounter after having three weeks to prepare for the tie. The three week rest was for the current AFC U23 championships, which are being held in Doha for the first time.
Umm Salal has made some changes to their side in the January transfer window, welcoming Moroccan striker Mounir El Hamdaoui to the club. The former Ajax player has signed a six month deal with the Orange Fortress. Elsewhere the club waved goodbye to Iranian international midfielder Andranik Teymourian who has returned to his homeland.
An interesting sub-plot to the match of the week has emerged with the transfer of Umm Salal midfielder Fabio Cesar and his return to Al Rayyan. The Qatari international had three years with the Lions between 2010-2013, he was identified by Rayyan head coach Jorge Fossati as a key accusation for the side.
Rayyan made their move for the Brazilian born midfielder who is a firm fan favourite. It could mean that Cesar could be turning out for Al Rayyan against his old club whom he represented just three weeks ago.
Al Rayyan themselves are sitting atop the QSL standings with an impressive 10 point lead over second place El Jaish. Rayyan have been training at Aspire Zone over the winter break and capped of their training camp with a 3-1 friendly victory over fellow QSL side Al Sailiya.
It promises to be an interesting clash when Umm Salal take on Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa stadium, on Thursday the 28th of January, K.O at 16:30. You can buy tickets for the match here.
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