Al Duhail face Al Sadd in a high-voltage encounter in Week 9 of the 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 19:55 at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Wednesday, 3rd November, 2021.

That the game will be a humdinger is a foregone conclusion. Both teams, two of the strongest contenders for the league title, cannot afford to drop points.

Al Duhail, coached by Portuguese Luis Castro, defeated Qatar SC 2-1 in the last round.

The Red Knights had lost 1-4 to Al Wakrah in the postponed match from Week 5 and that was the only time they dropped points this season.

Al Duhail are placed second with 21 points, three behind champions Al Sadd. They have a have a goal difference of +13 (21 goals for and eight against).

Reigning champions Al Sadd, who beat Al Ahli 4-1 in the last round, are topping the table with 24 points and an all-win record, the only team to do so thus far. The Wolves have a goal difference of +22 (33 goals for and 11 against).

Xavi Hernandez-coached Al Sadd, winners of the recently-held Amir Cup final by beating Al Rayyan on penalties, are strengthened by the presence of Pedro Miguel and Tareq Salman in defence, Brazilian Guillherme Torres and South Korean Jung Woo-Young in midfield in addition to the strike force consisting of Santi Cazorla, Andre Ayew and Baghdad Bounedjah, even though they may miss the injured duo of Boualem Khoukhi and Akram Afif.

The Al Duhail ranks include players, such as Ferjani Sassi, Edmilson Junior, Toby Alderweireld, Nam Tae-Hee, Almoez Ali and striker Michael Olunga.