Saturday, 26th October, 2019

19:30 kick-off at Al Duhail Stadium

Al Duhail face Al Gharafa in Week 8 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 19:30 at the Al Duhail Stadium on Saturday, 26th October, 2019.

The Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa is sure to be a humdinger of a game for more reasons than one. Mainly because of the teams’ reputation, form, high quality of players and high-profile coaches.

Al Duhail are leading the standings with 17 points (five victories and two draws). They are the only unbeaten side so far, along with Al Rayyan.

The Red Knights, who defeated Umm Salal 1-0 last week, have a goal difference of +6 (12 goals for and six against).

Al Gharafa, who beat Al Arabi 1-0 in Week 7 to move up in the standings, have four victories to their credit. They have two draws, while their only defeat was against Al Sailiya when they lost by a 1-3 margin in Week 5. The Cheetahs have a goal difference of +6 (14 goals for and eight against).

The tactical battle between experienced coaches Rui Faria (Al Duhail) and Slavisa Jokanovic (Al Gharafa) will be the sub-plot of the game.

Al Duhail are getting back to their aggressive ways under Portuguese Faria, whereas Al Gharafa’s game has improved by notches under Serb Jokanovic.

All that should make the encounter gripping.