Al Arabi will try to punch way above their weight to contain Al Duhail who will, for sure, punish their rivals even for silly mistakes when they face off in Week 11 of the QNB Stars League on Sunday, 4th November. The kick-off is at 17:15 at the Al Duhail Stadium.

Reigning champions Al Duhail have opened up a seven-point lead at the top and are cruising towards the title, like they did last season. If it was Algerian Djamel Belmadi who coached them last year, it is Tunisian Nabil Maaloul who guides them this time around.

The Red Knights have 25 points after they defeated Al Sailiya 1-0 in midweek, a fixture that was rescheduled from Week 5.

Al Duhail, who defeated Al Kharaitiyat 4-1 in Week 10, have eight wins and one draw to their credit. They have a goal difference of +19 (25 goals for and six against).

Al Duhail are strong in all departments of the game and boast of stars who can single-handedly change the course of any game. The Red Knights are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to retain the coveted league shield.

Al Arabi are coming from four consecutive defeats, against Al Sailiya (0-2), Al Gharafa (0-3), Al Ahli (0-3) and Qatar SC (0-1).  

The Dream Team are badly seeking a turnaround in their fortunes, so the encounter promises to be a thriller. They are eighth in the table with 12 points (four wins and six defeats). Their goal difference is -10 (11 goals for and 21 against).

Al Arabi have in their ranks many players who came up through their own age-group system and show high team spirit.

Al Arabi will be without Abdulla Marafy who underwent a surgery to correct a cruciate ligament tear on his knee. He suffered the injury during their match against Qatar SC and is expected to be out of action for six months.