(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Fawad Hussain
|
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan are set to lock horns in the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) today with both teams eyeing victory in a crucial fixture at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Pedro Martins' Al Gharafa are in red-hot form, returning to action after a 2-0 triumph over an in-form Al Ahli - their sixth consecutive win in the top flight.
The impressive streak has lifted them to second place with 27 points, just two points behind leaders Al Duhail and two ahead of defending champions Al Sadd and Al Ahli.
Al Rayyan, meanwhile, have shown marked improvement since the winter break, climbing to sixth with 17 points under coach Artur Jorge after a difficult first half of the season.
Martins anticipates a tough challenge against rejuvenated Al Rayyan but insists his side will be firing on all cylinders to maintain their winning momentum.
“Our preparations have been good, and our goal is to continue achieving victories,” Martins said during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Although Al Rayyan did not start the league well, they have strong capabilities and a good coach. It will be an interesting match,” the Portuguese tactician added while telling his players to be patient in the contest.
“I think we will go through different moments in the match, sharing the advantage with Al Rayyan. There will be periods where we dominate possession and others where they do. We have to stay patient when the ball is with us. I know the level of confidence among my players and we must be smart in this type of match.”
Under Jorge, Al Rayyan have thrashed Umm Salal 6-2 and held league leaders Al Duhail to a goalless draw. The Portuguese coach remains optimistic about a top-three finish in the league and is eager for a win tonight.
“Our performance was good against Al Duhail, but results are crucial. We will go all out for a win to collect three points and improve our position,” Jorge said.
“We are working on instilling a winning mentality in the players so they approach every match with the aim of victory. I expect a great match. Al Gharafa is a strong side that has been working with coach Pedro [Martins] for years.”
Kick-off is set for 6:45 pm, following an earlier clash between Al Khor and Al Ahli at Al Khor Stadium.
Sitting fourth, Al Ahli are looking to return to winning ways after their defeat to Al Gharafa while bottom-placed Al Khor are desperate to add to their meager seven points.
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