Saturday, 26th October, 2019

17:20 kick-off at Al Ahli Stadium

Al Sadd face Al Ahli in Week 8 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 17:20 at the Al Ahli Stadium on Saturday, 26th October, 2019.

Reigning champions Al Sadd have 12 points, but they have played only five matches so far. Their games against Al Arabi, dubbed the Qatar Derby in Week 5, and Al Khor in Week 7 were deferred due to their AFC Champions League engagements.

Al Sadd are now free from their continental commitment, having exited in the semifinal stage of AFC Champions League after losing out to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 5-6 on aggregate. Al Sadd won the return leg 4-2 in Riyadh on 22nd October, but had lost the home leg on 15th October by a 1-4 margin.

Al Sadd’s Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez would want his wards to fully focus on the domestic season, especially the QNB Stars League. The Wolves are sure to leave no stone unturned in their bid to retain the league shield.

Al Sadd have four victories to their credit, while they lost one match, against Al Rayyan in the Qatar Clasico. They have a goal difference of +10 (18 goals for and eight against).

On the other hand, Al Ahli have 10 points (three victories, as many defeats and one draw). The Brigadiers, who drew 2-2 with Al Shahania in the last round, have a goal difference of 0 (13 goals for and 13 against).

Al Ahli coach Ruben de la Barrera is aware that his team cannot afford to drop many points if they are to finish among the top four.