Friday, 1st October, 2021

19:15 kick-off at Khalifa International Stadium

Al Arabi face Al Sadd in Week 5 of the 2021-2022 season QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 19:15 at the Khalifa International on Friday, 1st October, 2021.

Dubbed as the Qatar Derby, this is one of the signature matches on Qatar’s club football scene. Both clubs have rich tradition, great credentials and huge fan following, so the clash will be noted on and off the field.

Al Arabi notched up their third win this season when they beat Qatar SC 2-0 in the last round. The Dream Team are placed third with nine points.

Al Arabi and Al Gharafa both are on nine points, but the former are placed ahead on better goal difference (+3 as against Al Gharafa’s +2).

Al Arabi’s other victories were against Al Sailiya and Al Wakrah (both 1-0). Younes Ali-coached side had lost 1-2 to Al Duhail.

Al Arabi and Al Gharafa are level on points and goal difference, but the latter are placed ahead by virtue of having scored more number of goals.

Aaron Bupendza, Mehrdad Mohammadi, Aron Gunnarsson, captain Ahmed Fathy and Abdullah Marafi are Al Arabi’s main players.

Reigning champions Al Sadd are also on a high. They displaced Al Duhail from the top of standings after their 7-2 win over Al Shamal in the last round.

Xavi Hernandez’s men’s other victories were against Al Rayyan (4-2) in the Qatar Clasico, Al Sailiya (2-0) and Qatar SC (3-1).

Al Sadd and Al Duhail both are on 12 points and their goal difference is 11, but Al Sadd scored 16 goals and conceded five as against Al Duhail’s 14 and three.

The Wolves will mainly have the services of Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afif, Andre Ayew and Hassan Al Haydous.