It’s sixth against seventh in the QSL Spotlight match for round thirteen

The final spotlight match for the first half of the season will see two sides that are neck and neck in the QSL standings take on each other when Al Arabi takes on Umm Salal on Thursday evening.

Al Arabi come into the tie off the back of a 3-0 Doha derby humbling at the hands of rivals Al Rayyan. The Dream Team have endured a stop-start season this term, and will be aiming to get back to winning ways against a Umm Salal side who have also been struggling for form in recent weeks.

Striker Imoh Ezekiel was a bright spot, in what was otherwise a disappointing performance by Edison Aguirre’s side. The Nigerian international has been leading the line with distinction for Al Arabi in recent weeks and the mercurial attacker will need to be at his best if Arabi are to register all three points.

As for Umm Salal, they have started life well under new coach Mahmoud Jaber. The Egyptian tactitian picked up a vital first win in his opening game in charge of the side, defeating league strugglers Al Wakrah 3-1. More heartening for Jaber will be the way his side fought back from conceding a goal early to come back and register the important win.

Jaber will be hoping to get a performance from young Qatar winger Mohammed Hilal in this match. The former Al Khor youngster topped off a fine individual performance against Al Wakrah with a well taken goal. Hilal has certainly showed glimpses of quality of the course of the season, and will be eager to impress the new coach against Al Arabi.

Certainly should be a close-fought tie when Al Arabi takes on Umm Salal on Thursday evening at Al Arabi stadium.