Al Sailiya are expected to give reigning champions Al Duhail a good run for their money when they face off in Week 16 of the QNB Stars League on Saturday, 16th February. The kick-off is at 16:45 at the Al Duhail Stadium.

The battle between second-placed Al Duhail and third-placed Al Sailiya is sure to evoke much interest.

Al Duhail have 36 points, two less than Al Sadd and eight more than Al Sailiya.

Al Duhail are under new Portuguese coach Rui Faria, who replaced Tunisian Nabil Maaloul during the winter break, and will be keen to displace Al Sadd from the top of the table.

On the other hand, Al Sailiya need as many points as possible in order to stay in the top-four bracket.

Al Duhail have 11 victories to their credit. The Red Knights drew three matches and lost only one, to Al Sadd. And they have a goal difference of +24 (37 goals for and 13 against).

Al Sailiya have recorded nine wins, one draw and five defeats to have a goal difference of +11 (27 goals for and 16 against).

They are being coached by Tunisian Sami Trabelsi for long. The Peregrines on Wednesday announced the renewal of his contract for three more years.

Trabelsi, who first took charge of the side in June, 2013, took them to the Emir’s Cup final in the 2013-14 season and was adjudged the best coach that year.

Both teams have star players in their ranks.

Al Duhail include Yousef El Arabi, Paolo Edmilson, Mohammed Moosa, Bassam Al Rawi, Sultan Al Breik, while Al Sailiya have the likes of Nadir Belhadj, Majdi Siddiq, Rachid Tiberkanine, Abdelkader Ilyas and Mohamed Al Marri.