The much-anticipated encounter between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan is the signature match in 2019-20 QNB Stars League’s Week 8 fixtures, to be held on Thursday, 24th October, Friday, 25th October, and Saturday, 26th October, with two games on each day.

The fixtures are Al Wakrah vs Al Khor (17:20, Al Wakrah Stadium), Umm Salal vs Qatar SC (19:30, Al Duhail Sadium) on Thursday, Al Shahania vs Al Sailiya (17:20) at Al Ahli Stadium, Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan (19:30) at Al Arabi Stadium on Friday, Al Sadd vs Al Ahli (17:20, Al Ahli Stadium) and Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa (19:30, at Al Duhail Stadium on Saturday.

The Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan fixture will be noted the most, both on and off the field. More than the traditional rivalry between the two teams, it is an encounter between two clubs having the most passionate fan base in Qatar football.

Al Rayyan are second in the table and Al Arabi fourth.

Al Arabi have the advantage of having played one game less as their Week 5 fixture against holders Al Sadd was deferred due to the latter’s AFC Champions League first-leg semifinal against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

The Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa clash will steal more or less the same spotlight. Both teams are coming off victories. Al Duhail are on top of the table and Al Gharafa third.

Al Wakrah and Al Khor will open the week’s action. Al Wakrah are eighth and Al Khor 10th, so they will be keen to collect more points.

That will be followed by the Umm Salal vs Qatar SC game. Both sides lost last week. Umm Salal lie ninth, whereas Qatar SC are in the danger zone with only Al Shahania behind them in the 12-team competition.

Al Sadd will be in action against Al Ahli after their AFC Champions League engagements. Al Sadd are fifth with two games in hand and Al Ahli sixth.

Al Shahania, who drew Al Ahli to a draw in the previous round, are sure to fight it out when they face Al Sailiya, who are placed seventh after beating Al Wakrah last week.