Wednesday afternoon will see the rearranged fixture take place between league leaders Lekhwiya and Umm Salal at Al Gharafa stadium.

Djamel Belmadi’s side has yet to taste defeat this season, and lead the QSL standings by three points. Their home tie has been moved to Al Gharafa stadium to ensure that Lekhwiya stadium is in good condition ahead of their AFC Champions League tie against Al Jazeera. Lekhwiya will be hoping they can replicate their home form at Al Gharafa stadium, this season they have only dropped points on three occasions on home turf.

Lekhwiya has a tough game last time out against an in-form Al Rayyan side, with the tie ending in a 1-1 draw. Despite conceding a late equalizer, Djamel Belmadi will be pleased how his side played in what was a tough test of their unbeaten streak. The Red Knights will be boosted by the return of attacker Ali Afif for this tie, who has served a domestic ban in recent weeks.

As for Umm Salal, they have had a stop-star season under Egyptian coach Mahmoud Jaber. The Orange Fortress are currently in eighth place in the QSL standings, and could yet be pulled into the relegation dog-fight if they don’t pick up some wins from their remaining games in the league. Umm Salal have yet to win in six QSL games and will be targeting the scalp of the leagues only undefeated side.

Last time out, Umm Salal came from a goal behind to register a 1-1 draw with Al Ahli. A stunning free-kick from Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo helped Umm Salal notch their third straight draw in the league. Umm Salal have always been one of the harder sides to break down in the QSL, and they will have to be at their defensive best as they take on the highest scoring side in the league. Brazilian defender Anderson Martins is expected to start in central defense and could be handed the captains armband in the absence of Jawad Ahnash who will be out of the game through injury.