Al Sadd eye victory, top spot

Doha, Qatar: Reigning champions Al Sadd have a chance to move to the top of Qatar Stars League standings with a victory against Al Sailiya on Tuesday at the Al Janoub Stadium.

The match, originally scheduled for 15th September, was postponed due to Al Sadd’s AFC Champions League second-leg quarterfinal against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, which was played in Doha on 16th September.

And Xavi-coached Al Sadd blazed away to glory by beating Al Nassr 3-1 and progressed to the semifinals of Asian competition with a 4-3 aggregate score.

Al Sadd, the only side with an all-win record, are currently on nine points, just one behind Al Arabi and Al Gharafa, who both have played four matches.

The Wolves’ victories were against Al Wakrah (4-1), Al Shahania (7-1) and Umm Salal (2-1). Xavi Hernandez’s men will look to continue their good run.

All players, from goalkeeper Saad Al Dossari to striker Baghdad Bounedjah, last season’s QNB Stars League top scorer, are ready for the game.

In contrast, Al Sailiya have endured a terrible start and are ninth with four points. They defeated Qatar SC 1-0 last week, only through a last gasp goal.

For Al Sailiya, the game certainly means a lot. Also for their coach Sami Trabelsi.