Much is at stake when Al Duhail face Al Rayyan in the most high-profile fixture in Week 3 of the 2019-20 season QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 19:05 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Sunday, 15th September.

Both teams are strong title contenders, so the encounter promises to be a thriller.

Al Duhail and Al Rayyan are sure to go into the game aiming for a victory as both have dropped crucial points.

Al Duhail beat Qatar SC 2-1 in the first round, but were then held to a 1-1 draw by Al Arabi, whereas Al Rayyan were locked in a 2-2 draw with Umm Salal before being held goalless by Al Gharafa.

Al Duhail are keen to regain their lost glory, having finished as runners-up behind Al Sadd in last season’s QNB Stars League. So every point counts for The Red Knights in the gruelling competition.

On the other hand, Al Rayyan will be eager to be back among titles. The Lions could finish only fourth last season, behind Al Sailiya.

Al Duhail have the services of star players such as goalkeeper Amin Lecomte, Bassam Al Rawi, Ahmed Yasser, Luiz Martin, Muhanad Ali, Paulo Edmilson, Karim Boudiaf, Assim Madibo, Ali Afif and Yousef Msakni.

The Al Rayyan star parade includes goalkeeper Fahd Younis, Mohammed Alaaeldin, Franck Com, Yacine Brahimi, Rodrigo Tabata, Abdelaziz Hatem, Lee Jae-Ik, Mohammed Juma, Gabriel Mercado, Dame Traore, Mohammed Badr Sayyar, Mowafaq Awad and Abdulrahman Al Harazi.

The tactical battle between coaches Rui Faria (Al Duhail) and Diego Aguirre (Al Rayyan) will be the sub-plot of the game.

Uruguayan Aguirre is back as Al Rayyan coach, having managed them for two seasons starting in 2011. He had helped them to Amir Cup triumph in 2013.

Portuguese Faria, who replaced Tunisian Nabil Maaloul as Al Duhail coach in January this year, is trying hard to bring the best of his players.

Both clubs, especially Al Rayyan as was seen during their game against Al Gharafa a couple of weeks ago, have huge fan following and that adds spice to the contest.