The QNB Stars League Week 6 fixtures on Saturday, 22nd September, are Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan (17:55) at Al Sadd Stadium and Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa (20:05) at Al Gharafa Stadium.

Al Sadd and Al Duhail were scheduled to play Al Khor and Al Sailiya respectively in Week 5, but their matches were rescheduled due to the duo’s AFC Champions League quarterfinal engagements.

Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan

All eyes are on the Qatar Clasico between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, two of Qatar’s best teams in terms of reputation and strength.

Clasico is the biggest advertisement for club football in Qatar and much is at stake for coaches, players, officials, administrators, fans, sponsors and partners alike.

Al Sadd, nicknamed The Wolves, are on a high after making it into the semifinals of the AFC Champions League with a 5-3 aggregate win over Iran’s Esteghlal.

They have 10 points, one less than Al Rayyan and the same as Al Duhail who are behind on goal difference.

Al Sadd suffered a blow as striker Hassan Al Haydous has been ruled out with an ankle injury he sustained during the Esteghlal game.

Al Rayyan are also confident especially since they climbed to the top of QNB Stars League table after their 1-0 win over Al Arabi in Week 5.

However, their new recruit and Brazilian striker Luca and injured defender Gonzalo Vieira are doubtful starters.

Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa

QNB Stars League title holders Al Duhail have already dropped points against Al Rayyan and they cannot afford to do that if they are to stay on course to win the coveted league shield.

The Red Knights have 10 points as against Al Gharafa’s seven.

Al Duhail had suffered a setback in the midweek when they bowed out of the AFC Champions League quarterfinal stage after losing to Iran’s Persepolis.

On the other hand, Al Gharafa will look to compensate for their 2-3 loss to Umm Salal last week.

The Cheetahs will sorely miss the services of influential attacking midfielder and Dutch star Wesley Schneider, who will need around a month to recover from a muscle injury.