Saturdays QSL action will see two would be title challengers take on newly promoted sides. The early 18:00 KO at Al Sadd stadium will see reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan open up against newly promoted Al Shahania.

Al Rayyan, fresh from defeat in the Sheikh Jassim cup will be looking repeat their 11 game winning streak at the start of last season that pushed them all the way to the QSL title last term. Jorge Fossati has a fully fit side to choose from and could give a start to midfielder Daniel Gomu, who has returned to the club after serving a two year domestic ban.

As for Al Shahania they have had a busy preseason. The Oryx’s have appointed head coach Fathi Al-Jabal, the Tunisian head coach has enjoyed recent success in Saudi Arabi and the Shahania management will be hoping he can work his magic touch on the squad.

In terms of playing squad the Algerian duo of Mohamed Tiaïba and Kaled Gourmi have been signed to add some firepower to the Shahania frontline, they will have to be at their best if they are to cause a shock against the QSL champions.

The second tie of the week will see the newly crowned Sheikh Jassim cup winners Lekhwiya take on Qatar Gas League Champions Muaither at Lekhwiya stadium, KO at 20:10pm. The Red Knights have enjoyed a strong preseason under head coach Djamel Belmadi, who has suggested that his side can make a creditable title charge this term.

Lekhwiya have added Moroccan striker Yusef El Arabi to their ranks this season, and the former Granada man is expeted to chip in with his share of goals this season. El Arabi certainly has started his Lekhwiya career on the right foot, grabbing the opener in the 2-0 win over Rayyan in the Sheikh Jassim cup.

As for Muaither, they will be looking to start their second ever season in the QSL on the front foot. Head coach Phillipe Birol recently claimed that a top 10 finish is a realistic target for his side and will be looking to pull of an early season shock.  The falcons will be hoping that Qatar Gas League top scorer Mahmoud Za'tara can step up and transfer his form to the QSL.

You can grab tickets for both matches here.