Everything to play for as Al Gharafa, Al Arabi eye fourth place

Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa take on Al Arabi in the first match as Qatar Stars League resumes after a four-month break forced by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The kick-off is at 16:45 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday, 24th July, 2020.

It is sure to be a keenly-fought contest, given that both teams are vying for fourth place that will give them a chance to play in the Qatar Cup and AFC Champions League.

Al Gharafa, coached by Serb Slavisa Jokanovic, are fourth in the standings, behind Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd in that order, with 28 points.

The Cheetahs have eight wins, four draws and five defeats against their name. Their goal difference is +5 (29 goals for and 24 against).

Al Arabi are unbeaten in their last four league matches, drawing against Umm Salal (1-1), Al Shahania (0-0) and Al Sadd (1-1), and beating Al Khor 1-0.

The Dream Team, under Icelander Heimir Hallgrimsson, are fifth in the table, behind Al Duhail, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Al Gharafa in that order, with 24 points.

They have six wins, as many draws and five defeats against their name. Their goal difference is +3 (27 goals for and 24 against).

Both teams are well-prepared but for the absence of a key player on either side.

Al Gharafa will be without Algerian midfielder Adlene Guedioura through an injury, while Al Arabi’s Tunisian forward Hamdi Harbaoui will sit out suspended.

Al Gharafa had beaten Al Arabi 1-0 in the first leg of 2019-20 QNB Stars League.