Opening up the press conference Muaither coach Phillipe Birol stressed the challenge ahead for his side.“We are playing the QSL champions, it will be very difficult and are a side with plenty of quality. We are preparing for the match, and the aim is that we get a result and not loose heavily like we did against Lekhwiya and Al Sadd.”

Muaither have won their last three games in the QSL, and Birol beleives his side are improving all the time after a slow start. “We try step by step to do better. We spoke with the players and we started the league badly, but we have grown in confidence and we have improved and focused on our weak points. We have plenty of confidence and I am happy with the spirit in the club, we have many good players who are happy to work for the side.”

“When you win matches you are confident and we have changed the feeling in the club, it’s a first time that Muaither has won three games in a row in the league, and we have shown the QSL that we are not a weak side anymore.” Explained the French coach during the Thursday morning press conference. 

Ending the press conference Birol suggested that a new defensive stability has turned around the fortunes of his side. “We have defended well in these games, and we have focused on defending as a team and attacking as a team. We will be doing exactly the same against Al Rayyan. I hope that we go into this game without fear, because our last games against Lekhiwya and Al Sadd we showed that we where scared and that effected our performance.”

As for Al Rayyan they will be looking to get back to winning ways following their 1-1 draw with rivals Lekhwiya. Head coach Michael Laudrup gave his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference, Laudrup stressed that this tie will be a stern test for his side. “We will play one of the form teams in the QSL, who are full of plenty of confidence at the moment.They have showed that they have a very good side, and three wins in the league underlines this.”

Last time out Al Rayyan conceded a stoppage time equaliser,however Laudrup is confident his side can find their form. “Of course we should have beaten Lekhiwya, but this is football. It can happen to anybody, even Al Sadd dropped points against Al Wakrah are aim now is to get three points against Muaither, one thing i have learnt here in the QSL that any team can take points from anybody.”

Laudrup ended his press conference revealing that is expecting a open match against the newly promoted side “I expect Muaither to play on the counter, they have very good strikers. I think the game will be similar to Al Ahli, with both sides looking to attack."