The QNB Stars League’s Round 5 will see three matches being played on Friday. Al Sailiya will take on Al Rayyan at the Al Ahli Stadium at 17:25, Al Khor face Al Markhiya at the Al Khor Stadium at the same time and Al Arabi play host to Al Sadd at 19:35 in the Qatar Derby.

Of the three matches, Al Arabi Vs Al Sadd and Al Sailiya Vs Al Rayyan will be more exciting.

Al Sailiya vs Al Rayyan

Both teams will take the field with the top-four spot in mind. Al Rayyan are already fourth ahead of Al Sailiya, having scored more number of goals even as they both are tied on same number of points (nine).

Moroccan forward Abderrazzak Hamdellah and Brazilian Wagner Ribeiro is leading the Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya charge respectively. Both players fared superbly in their previous matches and are expected to continue their good form. Both teams have players who have the ability to score against any rival.

Al Khor vs Al Markhiya

Newcomers Al Markhiya are battling for life when they face Al Khor, who are seventh on four points. Al Markhiya are the only side yet to open their account. 

They had defeated Al Sadd, but their points were docked for fielding an ineligible player and victory was awarded to Al Sadd. Al Khor will look to amass maximum points from this game.

Al Arabi vs Al Sadd

While Al Arabi, struggling at ninth position, have some points to prove and badly need a win after suffering a big loss to Umm Salal in the previous round, Al Sadd will leave nothing to chance in their bid to be at the top of standings. They are eagerly looking forward to record their fifth consecutive victory. Al Sadd are currently second behind Al Duhail on goal difference.

Al Sadd will be bolstered by the return of Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah from an injury which forced him out of the first three rounds. He had scored a goal in their last game against Qatar SC.

Al Arabi coach Qais Yaakoubi is expected to field the same set of players, who played in the first four rounds. They will be strengthened by the homecoming of Hamad Ismail, who had stints with Al Rayyan and Al Sadd.