Al Wakrah face former QSL champions Lekhwiya on Friday evening knowing that three points will effectively secure their status in the QSL for another season.

The Blue Waves are currently in eleventh in the QSL standings just four points away from the relegation zone. Head coach Mauricio Larriera was clear about the task at hand for his side. “ Al Wakrah are facing one of the best teams in Qatar, with the best players.”

Larriera was also eager to note the quality of the Lekhwiya side, and noted the recent international break could be an advantage for his side. “They have a high number of players in the Qatar national team. This shows how much quality they have, but they have had many players on international duty and this could be an advantage”

Al Wakrah are fighting for their QSL status for another season, and will be without star striker Sasha for the match. “It is a big blow for us, but we will have to overcome this.”
 


As for Lekhwiya, they head into the clash off the back of a 3-2 defeat to top-4 rivals Al Sadd. Head coach Djamel Belmadi was eager to stress that this will not be an easy game for the Red Knights. “Al Wakrah are not an easy side to play, they are fighting to stay in the league. We need to win the game to confirm our status in the top 4, it will a tough game.” admitted the Algerian tactitian.

Lekhwiya have a host of international players on duty, including seven players in the Qatar national team. With the players only returning on Wednesday evening, it means a quick turnaround for the Friday game. A point that Belmadi is not happy with; “We have plenty of players out this week and they have only just returned from long flights with a few players injured we will try our best with the players we have.”

When pushed on the injured players, Belmadi remained coy. “I cannot tell you right now, but three players have come back with knocks and will face a late fitness test. One player who will be out is Mohammed Moussa through suspension.”

Despite the lack of key players at his disposal, Belmadi was confident his side can confirm their status in the Qatar Cup. “I will be shuffling the squad in this game, with our champion’s league commitments. I am confident we will be able to get three points.”