(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The QNB Stars League resumes today after a long break with title contenders Al Rayyan in action against Al Wakrah, Umm Salal taking on Al Sailiya and Qatar SC meeting Al Arabi.
The prestigious domestic tournament was suspended for several weeks accommodate the Gulf Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and several rounds of the Ooredoo Cup.
Al Rayyan are second in the league standings with 22 points, four less than Al Duhail. The Lions have six wins and four draws to their credit to have an unbeaten record along with Al Duhail.
Al Rayyan have a goal difference of +14 (23 goals for and nine against). They will not want a slip-up in their bid to be in strong contention for the title.
Al Wakrah are eighth in the table with 12 points (three victories, as many draws and four defeats). The Blue Wave have a goal difference of -3 (16 goals for and 19 against).
Al Rayyan drew 2-2 with Al Shahania, while Al Wakrah beat Al Ahli 2-1 in Week 10 of the QNB Stars League.
Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre said he used the break to good effect. 'The league stopped for a long time. It was the job of the coach to find the appropriate ways to prepare his team for the matches during that time and I did the same. We prepared well for Al Wakrah besides playing in the Ooredoo Cup, said Aguirre.
'Al Wakrah are a good team that plays in a distinct way. They have achieved some good results. I respect them and also the great efforts that they are making. We have to be highly focused against them.
'We had special sessions during the break and I am happy with the way our players responded to the training sessions. We tried to take advantage of the Ooredoo Cup matches. I am optimistic that my team will appear well in this match after good preparations.
Meanwhile, Qatar SC face Al Arabi at the Qatar SC Stadium today.
Qatar SC are placed ninth with 12 points. They have recorded four wins and six defeats with no draws to their credit, and have a goal difference of -3 (13 goals for and 16 against).
Having completed a hat-trick of victories in the QNB Stars League, The Kings will look to begin from where they left off under former Qatar international midfielder Wesam Rizik, who is now at their helm.
Al Arabi occupy the fifth position with 14 points. They have registered four wins, two draws and three defeats to have a goal difference of +6 (18 goals for and 12 against).
The Dream Team have the advantage of having played one game less as their match against Al Sadd was postponed due to the latter's AFC Champions League commitment.
Al Arabi include the likes of Hamdi Harbaoui, Pierre-Michel Lassoga, Morteza Pouraliganji, Mark Martinez, Ahmed Fathi and Mohammad Salah El Neel.
Qatar SC too have players of calibre in their ranks.
Umm Salal are precariously placed at the 11th position with just five points. The Orange Fortress need to lift their game by several notches if they are to avoid relegation. However, time is on their side as the league is only reaching the halfway stage.
Umm Salal have so far recorded just one victory. They drew two matches and lost seven to have a goal difference of -14 (seven goals for and 21 against).
Al Sailiya are sixth with 14 points (four wins, as many defeats and two draws). They have a goal difference of -2 (12 goals for and 14 against).
The Peregrines, who finished a creditable third last season, will once again target a top-four finish, while Umm Salal struggle to stay afloat. That should make the contest interesting.
Umm Salal lost 0-2 to Al Gharafa, whereas Al Sailiya beat Al Arabi 2-1 in Week 10.
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