Al Rayyan will take on promoted side Al Markhiya in Round 4 of the QNB Stars League at the Al Sadd Stadium on Sunday. The Lions’ coach Michael Laudrup spoke to the media ahead of the match.

“We’re taking the game against Al Markhiya very seriously as they had beaten Al Sadd in the very first round, no matter the overturned result for fielding an ineligible player. We want to win this match,” said Laudrup.

“Of course, we start as the favourites. but favourites can lose, so you’ve to show your strength on the pitch. We’ve prepared well for this game. Al Markhiya are the promoted side, but they’ve played some tight matches and have good game plans.

“They’ll defend stoutly and resort to counter-attacks with the help of a few fast players. They also showed their strength through a couple of good games in the QSL Cup during the break (Al Markhiya defeated Al Sadd again and drew with Al Arabi).

The Danish coach underlined the fact that Al Rayyan have many options in the attack, with the likes of Sebastian Soria and Abderrazzak Hamdellah. And Rodrigo Tabata, who underwent a surgery after their last league match, is expected to take the field in the second half against Al Markhiya.