Umm Salal face Al Rayyan in a strong Week 6 encounter of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium of Al Gharafa club on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The kick-off is at 7.30pm.

The two sides return to the league under different circumstances. Al Rayyan suffered a 2-3 loss to Al Wakrah in the previous round of the league, which was also their first defeat of this season following four consecutive victories. They had also topped the standings before slipping to second place (after their first loss) and being replaced at the top by Al Sadd. Al Rayyan have 12 points, compared to 13 points of Al Sadd.

Umm Salal achieved a 3-1 win over Al Shamal in the previous round as a continuation of their strong performances this season. The result raised their tally to eight points for the sixth place in standings with two wins, as many draws and one loss. Umm Salal are only two points away from making it to the top four as Al Duhail, who are currently in fourth spot, have 10 points.

In the Ooredoo Cup too, Umm Salal have achieved victories over Al Wakrah (5-0) and Qatar SC (3-0), and a draw against Al Ahli (1-1). The results show the good form the team is in and under French coach Patrice Carteron.

Al Rayyan therefore will have to raise their game and the task against Umm Salal will not be as easy.

The Lions’ Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim would be counting on his strike force to score against Umm Salal and bag the three vital points.

Carteron, in contrast, will rely on the balance between attack and defence to confront the strength of Al Rayyan’s potential strikers.

Both sides have top quality professionals in all positions, especially in attack. The clash is therefore expected to be strong and exciting both on and off the field, given the backing of their fans.