Al Duhail face Al Wakrah in Week 1 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 17:35 at the Education City Stadium on Wednesday, 3rd August, 2022.

The match is expected to be strong and exciting given the capabilities of the rival teams in both defence and attack, in addition to the experience of coaches – Argentinian Hernan Crespo of Al Duhail and Spaniard Marquez Lopez of Al Wakrah.

Crespo leads the challenge of Al Duhail (runners-up last season) locally for the first time, having guided the team remarkably well in the AFC Champions League group stage held in Saudi Arabia.

Al Wakrah had emerged as the dark horses last season having finished overall third in the standings. The team would be keen for the new challenge of the new season and aim to achieve the best possible position.

Al Duhail are continuing with their star foreign professionals in Michael Olunga, Nam Tae-Hee, Ferjani Sassi and Edmilson Junior. They have also contracted Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo following the departure of Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld.

Al Duhail will miss eight of their national stars, who are preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2022 with the Qatar national team squad.

Marquez is guiding Al Wakrah for the fifth season in a row and has with him a group of prominent players who continue with the side.

All indications point towards an exciting opening match between the runners-up and third-placed team of 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League.