Draw specialists Umm Salal take on title chasing Lekhwiya

The QSL spotlight match for round eight is between Umm Salal and Lekhwiya, two sides who have enjoyed impressive starts to the 2016/2017 season.

For Umm Salal they have enjoyed a typically solid opening seven games under head coach Bülent Uygun. The Orange Fortress have only tasted defeat once so far this season to table topping El Jaish, whilst having a host of key players absent through injury.  As ever Umm Salal are fast becoming the draw specialists in the QSL this term, notching four stalemates from the last seven games the joint highest total in the league.

Bülent Uygun tends to keep it tight against the big sides in the QSL, opting to try and take teams on the break and defending deep. The Turkish tactitian will be hoping Brazilian defender Anderson Martins will be back to full fitness after missing the last game for his side.  
Umm Salal are likely to get few chances in the tie, and will be hoping that striker Tha'er Bawab is firing on all cylinders. The Jordanian international grabbed a late equalizer last time out against Al Ahli for his second goal of the season. Bawab could be in line to make an impact for his side against a Lekhwiya side that has been leaking goals recently.

As for Lekhwiya they have dropped points in recent weeks, but have still yet to taste defeat this season , The Red Knights currently sit in third place in the QSL standings just four points away from leaders El Jaish.

 Last time out, Lekhwiya came from behind with ten men to register an important draw against QSL champions Al Rayyan. Head coach Djamel Belmadi celebrated wildly at Yusef El Arabi’s stoppage time equalizer, which saved the points for his side.

After drawing their last two games the Red Knights will be targeting a statement win against a team in Umm Salal that is notoriously hard to break down. Patience will be the name of the game for Lekhwiya and Qatar international Luis Martin will be key player in the center of midfield, dictating the play for his side. Martin is a solid passer of the ball, and this could be vital in unlocking the Umm Salal defense that tends to sit deep.

It certainly will be an interesting tie when both Umm Salal and Lekhwiya face off in the QSL spotlight match for round eight. You can pick up tickets for the game here.