Salim Cheniouni
Doha, Qatar- In a highly anticipated showdown, also billed as the ‘Qatar Clasico’, Al-Sadd take on Al-Rayyan on match-day 6 at Jassim Bin Hamad
Stadium, here on Saturday.
This
considering that the two teams have had a chance to lay their hands on the
silverware for the maximum number of times. While Al-Sadd sit on top with 13
titles, Al-Rayyan is second with 8 trophies against their credentials in the
Qatar League so far.
However,
this season Al-Rayyan are in a stronger position compared to Al-Sadd. The 2016
champions are unbeaten so far and would be aiming to continue the momentum.
‘The Lions’ sit at the top of the table with 11 points after they beat Al-Arabi
on match-day 5.
Meanwhile,
Al-Sadd are in a good position with 10 points and a game in hand. Al-Duhail too
have 10 points, but they are third on goal difference.
Al-Sadd would
be banking on their good form. On Monday, they made it to the final four of the
AFC Champions League, after beating Estghalal FC on aggregate.
Al-Rayyan
would be wary of Al-Sadd’s attacking duo Akram Afif and Algerian strike Baghdad Bounedjah. The two have scored 17 goals between them.
Nonetheless, both teams have a great defensive record only conceding 2 goals.
Al-Rayyan
would count on the experience of Sebastian Soria and Rodrigo Tabata.
Unfortunately,
Al-Sadd will be without their goalkeeper Saoud Al Hajri. He suffered a partial
cruciate ligament tear and would be out for at least 3 months.