Al Sadd's players during a training session ahead of the match against Al Sailiya.
Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Al Sadd will look to maintain their perfect start to the Qatar Stars League when they face bottom side Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium today, with another busy spell awaiting them after the league fixture.
Al Sadd have collected nine points from their opening three matches and are already two points clear at the top. They will be keen to extend that winning run against an Al Sailiya side still searching for their first point of the season.
The match also comes four days before Al Sadd begin their AFC Champions League Elite campaign against Iran’s Esteghlal on Monday, making another strong league performance important as coach Razvan Lucescu manages a demanding period.
Lucescu, however, insisted his side must keep their attention on the immediate task.
“This is our fourth league match. Every game in the Qatar league is difficult, so we must be as prepared as possible,” he said.
“We need focus and mental discipline, alongside the desire to fight and work hard. We must be ready in every respect, focusing solely on this match and treating it like a final.”
Al Sadd have coped well with the absence of Rafa Mujica, Mohamed Camara and Abdessamed Bounacer, who remain sidelined with injuries. Akram Afif has again been central to their strong start.
Al Shamal players in action.
Al Sailiya, meanwhile, have lost all three matches and are the only team yet to open their account. Coach Mirghani Al Zain knows the challenge facing his side but believes they can produce a stronger response.
“We will enter the game aiming to give our best and compete for a positive result,” he said.
“We know that facing Al Sadd will not be easy. Against such a powerful team, we must maintain peak focus and discipline throughout the match.”
Al Shamal chase leaders
Earlier at Al Bayt Stadium today, second-placed Al Shamal will try to keep the pressure on Al Sadd when they take on Al Wakrah, who are looking to recover from a difficult start.
Al Shamal and Al Rayyan are level on seven points, two behind the champions, after three rounds. Al Shamal come into the game after recovering from 2-1 down to beat Al Shahania 4-2, while Al Wakrah are 11th with just one point following a heavy 4-0 defeat to newcomers Lusail.
Al Shamal coach David Prats expects a tough test despite the gap in the standings.
“We are facing a very good team; from my perspective, they are technically one of the best sides in the league,” he said. “We are excited for this tough match and aim to secure the three points.”
Al Wakrah coach Jose Sierra wants his team to put their latest setback behind them.
“The goal for the upcoming match is to restore the team’s form and rectify past errors,” he said.
“We hope to correct the situation and change the narrative in the next game.”
The remaining Week 4 matches will see Al Gharafa, on three points after two successive defeats, meet in-form Lusail tomorrow. Al Rayyan face Al Ahli, who have four points.
On Saturday, Al Arabi, who have five points, meet Qatar SC, who have one, while Al Duhail, with five points, face Al Shahania, who have three points.
