Alkass Digital
Qatar: After beating Al Arabi to earn three precious points, Al Rayyan are brimming with confidence as they host Al Wakrah in another crucial Expo Stars League (ESL) clash later this week.
Both the teams will enter Wednesday’s game at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium leveled on 28 points with Al Rayyan holding an edge for scoring nine wins from 14 games, one more than Al Wakrah.
The two teams had contrasting fortunes in the previous week as Al Wakrah suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to bottom-placed Al Markhiya at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.
Al Rayyan, though returned after the AFC Asian Cup break in style edging reigning Amir Cup champions Al Arabi 3-2 to climb back to the top three in the ESL standings.
Brazilian Roger Guedes scored a hat-trick for Lions as they earned their third League victory on the trot, with coach Leonardo Jardim hoping his team to maintain winning run when they meet the Blue Waves.
“It’s a good victory particularly after we lost Ahmed Al Menhali (red card) in the 74th minute,” the Portuguese coach had said after the win.
“These three points are important and now we will focus on our next match."
Meanwhile, Al Wakrah will look to bounce back with their head coach Jose Murcia telling his players to forget the shock defeat and focus on the match against Al Rayyan.
“We missed many scoring chances against Al Al Markhiya but we must forget the loss and give our best in preparations for the next game in order to return to winning ways,” Murcia had said.
In the other top-of-the-table clash this week, leaders Al Sadd will take on second-placed Al Gharafa, who are five points behind the Wolves with a tally of 30 points.
The match will also be played on Wednesday at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, while Al Arabi will meet Qatar SC the same day.
The Week 16 of the top flight will start with a game against defending champions Al Duhail and Al Markhiya at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium tomorrow. The other fixtures tomorrow will pit Umm Salal vs Al Shamal, while Al Ahli will square off with Muaither.