Qatar Cup race hots up this Friday

Al Arabi vs El Jaish

The battle for the top four continues on Friday 11 March as Qatar Cup hopefuls Al Arabi and El Jaish go head-to-head in the QSL match of the week  at Lekhwiya Stadium (kick-off 8:15 PM).

Both sides were held to disappointing draws last time out and will be eager to hit the winning trail going into the business end of the season. Arabi’s top four hopes were dented after a 1-1 draw against lowly Al Kharaitiyat, while Jaish were held by relegated Mesaimeer, who grabbed only their fifth point of the season against the Soldiers.

Jaish will feel comfortable about their top four chances as they currently sit in second place on 40 points – eight points clear of fifth-placed Umm Salal. Arabi, on the other hand, have plenty of work to do if they are to break into the Qatar Cup places.

Gianfranco Zola’s men have slipped five points behind fourth-placed Al Sadd after a disappointing recent run and will need a strong finish to have any chance of finishing in the top four.

Al Rayyan vs Qatar Sports Club

Also on Friday and newly-crowned champions Al Rayyan take on relegation-threatened Qatar Sports Club at Seham Bin Hamad Stadium (kick-off 8:15 PM). The Kings’ three-match winning streak was brought to a shuddering halt by Al Khor last week and Sebastiao Lazaroni’s men will be looking to hit the victory trail again as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.

Al Khor vs Lekhwiya

Elsewhere, Lekhwiya will be aiming to cement their place in the top four when they face Al Khor at Al Khor Stadium (kick-off 6:00 PM). The Red Knights will be desperate to claim some silverware after losing their title to Al Rayyan last weekend.

Al Sadd vs Al Kharaitiyat

Also on Friday and Al Sadd take on Al Kharaitiyat at Seham Bin Hamad Stadium (kick-off 6:00 PM). The Wolves will be full of confidence after taking seven points from their last three games, while Kharaitiyat grabbed a morale-boosting draw against Al Arabi last time out. Sadd have finally hit form after an inconsistent season and will be desperate to reward their fans with at least a trophy challenge in the final few weeks of the campaign.