Lekhwiya’s title ambitions set for a stern test against rivals El Jaish
 
Four time QSL champions Lekhwiya will be targeting the first of three victories to secure their fifth QSL falcon shield when they take on local rivals El Jaish in one of the stand out ties of round 24 of the QSL season.
 
Head coach Djamel Belmadi, the man who guided Lekhwiya to back-to-back title wins a few years ago, will be plotting a carefully to dismantle El Jaish and put them a step close to the QSL title. The Red Knights have been in scintillating form in the league this season, having only fallen to defeat on one occasion to Umm Salal. Since then Lekhwiya have picked up back to back wins against Al Sailya and Al Kharitiyat to keep their title push on track.
 
In terms of injuries, Lekhwiya will be without leading scorer Yuesef El Arabi who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury. Belmadi will be hoping that the likes of Nam Tae Hee and Yusef Msakni who will be returning from international duty can cover for the absence of the Moroccan hit-man.
 
Whilst for El Jaish, they are currently in fourth place in the standings and can confirm their place in the Qatar Cup with a draw or victory against their rivals. Sabri Lamouchi’s side has stabilised in recent weeks and boast the same record of their opponents suffering a defeat and back to back victories in their last three QSL outings.
 
The soldiers will be well prepared for the tie, having picked up two friendly wins against Al Shamal and Meisameer during the three week break in QSL action. Uzbekistan international
Sardor Rashidov will be looking to continue his rich run of form that has seen him to score 13 goals this season, and will be crucial to his side’s chances of registering a victory in this derby match.