Al Gharafa will take on rivals Al Arabi in the round 17 QSL match of the week. The Cheetahs have had a busy week in the transfer window and will be hoping a trio of new signings will make an impact for them when they take on Gianfranco Zola’s side.

Pedro Caixinia has galvanized his squad in recent weeks, and under the Portuguese tacticians stewardship Gharafa have remained unbeaten. Whilst the signings of Vladimir Weiss, Krisztián Németh and Thamer Jamel look like good additions  for a side that have been lacking goals.

Gharafa are the league’s second lowest scoring side after Meisameer scoring just 13 times in 16 QSL games.  They will be hoping that this dynamic trio can shoot them to glory against a highly fancied Arabi outfit.

Whilst for Al Arabi, they have also made some changes in the transfer window. Gianfranco Zola’s side has brought in two international players to their side. Brazilian striker Alain Souza has come in for compatriot Junior Dutra and Iranian international Javad Nekounam has replaced French defender Rod Fani.

It has been a frustrating period for Arabi in recent weeks, and has only one win in six QSL games. However last time out they did manage to stop a run of three consecutive defeats by sharing the points in a 1-1 draw with Qatar Sports Club.

Despite the recent run of from Arabi are still very much in the race for a Qatar cup places, and know that a strong second half of the season could put them in contention for the end of season showpiece event. Likewise the improving Gharafa know that a winning streak could catapult them in contention for a final four finish.

It promises to be an interesting match when Gharafa take on Al Arabi on Friday evening at Al Gharafa stadium. Kick off at 19:15pm.