Top four spot on the line between Al Sadd and Al Arabi
 
This Sunday’s match between Al Sadd and Al Arabi (kick-off 7:30 PM, Lekhwiya Stadium) could prove vital in the race for the top four.
 
Sadd replaced Arabi in the Qatar Cup places after a 3-1 win over Al Khor in week 19. The Dream Team, meanwhile, dropped to sixth after a 2-0 defeat to runaway leaders Al Rayyan. Only two points separate the teams going into this weekend’s game.
 
Gianfranco Zola and his men shouldn’t be too downhearted with the current league standings, however. Their form has picked up in recent weeks and included impressive victories over Al Gharafa and Lekhwiya. In fairness, it was no surprise they struggled against the Lions – a team which now boasts a 17-point lead at the top and is almost certain to claim a first Falcon Shield since 1995.
 
Sadd, on the other hand, have been unable to find any consistency since Jesualdo Ferreira took over as head coach in November. The Portuguese masterminded Rayyan’s only defeat of the season in the Qatar Classico, but Wolves fans have had little to shout about since that famous December night. Before last week’s win over Khor, Sadd had gone four games without a win – a run which included defeats to Al Wakrah and Qatar Sports Club.
 
Arabi will need new signing Alan Souza to be on top form against Sadd. The Brazilian has impressed since his move in January and will be aiming to fire Zola’s men into the top four. Sadd, meanwhile, will look to Hassan Al Haidos for inspiration. The Qatari international had a hand in all three goals against Khor and looks to be back to his best.
 
With Al Gharafa and Lekhwiya to face over the next few weeks, Sadd can ill afford another sloppy performance in their top four challenge, while Arabi will be desperate to bounce back from their defeat to Al Rayyan. This one should be a cracker.