Al Arabi and Al Rayyan will meet in the opening match in Week 6 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The kick-off is at 6pm.
The clash presents an opportunity for both teams to push hard for a win and aim for the three valuable points to advance in the rankings.
Al Arabi in particular are still in search of their first win in the Ooredoo Stars League, having drawn four matches and lost one. They have four points and are currently ninth in the standings.
Al Rayyan, who have scored two wins and suffered three losses so far, have six points to their credit and are in eighth place in the standings.
Al Arabi, under the technical leadership of American-English coach Anthony Hudson, who took charge in their last match against Al Ahli which they tied 3-3, will work hard to find the much-needed first victory that will give the team an incentive for the upcoming competitions, in addition to the fact that a win will also make The Dream Team advance over Al Rayyan in the standings in view of the two-point difference between them.
As for Al Rayyan, they have been fluctuating in terms of results from one match to the other. After achieving a commanding 4-2 victory over Al Shahania in Week 4, The Lions appeared at a good level and performance against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the first round of AFC Champions League Elite despite a reversal. In the last league match against Al Wakrah, they lost 0-2, with the team failing to take advantage of the opportunities that came by.
Despite the largely stumbling start, the encounter between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan is a much different one – considered as a special derby in Qatar football. The teams will strive to put out their best to progress in the league championship.
Both teams’ ranks have prominent players in all departments – whether attack, midfield or defence.
It is difficult to predict a winner between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan given their capabilities. Their clash is therefore expected to provide exciting action.