Al Ahli face Al Rayyan in Week 14 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at the Al Ahli Stadium on Monday. The kick-off is at 18:55.

The match is crucial for both teams, more so for Al Rayyan who need consistency of positive results.

Al Rayyan have scored only two wins this season out of their 12 matches, having registered two draws and eight defeats. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 18 to be on eight points.

Al Ahli in contrast aim to rise from their current seventh place in the standings. Critically, only two points separate them from Al Sadd, Qatar SC and Al Gharafa, who are third, fourth and fifth in the standings respectively.

A win against Al Rayyan can take Al Ahli in contention with the other higher placed teams to contest for a place in the top four.

Al Ahli have 17 points gained from four wins and five draws. They have suffered three defeats. The Brigadiers have scored 22 goals and conceded 20.

Al Rayyan recently added Moroccan Sofiane Boufal and Chilean Jason Vargas to their fire power. The two players were in action in the league for the first time last week with Al Ahli sticking to their main strength and fixed formation.

Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic has at his disposal a strong attacking line led by the Jordanian professional Yazan Al Naimat and would hope that he breaks past the rivals’ defence.

Al Rayyan coach Nicolas Cordova meanwhile is hoping for his players to regain their good form before new players are added to the line-up in the coming weeks.

Al Ahli performed admirably, especially in the second half of their last match against Al Duhail, and were close to scoring a draw till the final moments before they were beaten 2-1. They would therefore look forward to the Al Rayyan clash to make amends.

For Al Rayyan, the match is an opportunity to stage a comeback after their previous 0-3 loss to Al Arabi.

Given the stakes, the Al Ahli vs Al Rayyan contest is expected to be a hot one, with either side aiming to nail the three match points.