Doha: Qatari football giants Al Rayyan will not take Al Arabi lightly when the two teams meet in their QNB Stars League (QSL) fifth round clash today.
The eight-time QSL champions will be looking to fire on all cylinders against Al Arabi in search of full points at the Al Arabi Stadium.
Speaking to the media ahead of the encounter, the Lions’ coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena said that a tough battle can be expected today.
“We are into a big match against Al Arabi. They had suffered a setback against Al Sadd, but they came back strongly. In the process, Al Arabi also showed they can score many goals. They are playing the way we also want to play at the moment. We can expect a tough fight. They already have nine points and that is how you start a league competition,” the Argentinian tactician said.
Al Arabi lost to Al Sadd by a record margin of 10-1 in the second round of the League, but managed to win both their matches that followed. That also included an impressive 5-1 win against Umm Salal.
However, Al Rayyan, who finished third in the previous QSL season behind champions Al Duhail and Al Sadd, will be looking to climb up in the points table with a win today.
“However, we do not lag behind. In fact, the difference between top team Al Sadd and us is only two points. You must show patience especially at the start of a league competition and wait for good results to come.
“All our players are ready and I will decide on the playing eleven based on the fitness and form of the players on the match day. The same is applicable in the case of new recruit Jonathan Menendez also. I have players who play with great energy and passion. We will not change altogether just for one match. Our system is for the entire season. We study our opponents and try to take advantage of their weaknesses,” Aurrabarrena said.
On the other hand, their opponents, will be looking to continue their momentum but coach Luka Bonacic was not happy about the break after the fourth round.
“We have been in great form. We registered three victories as well. We are in the fourth position also. Of course, the break was not good for us as we were maintaining a good momentum. But we have to honour FIFA commitments,” Al Arabi’s Croatian coach said yesterday.
He was happy to receive two of his key players Ahmed Fathy and Ahmed Ibrahim who were on national duty and Bonacic will look to get the most out of them when his team meets The Lions at their own backyard.
“We were training without two main players (Qatar international Fathy and Iraq’s Ibrahim). It is good that they came back without any injury.
“After the big defeat to Al Sadd in the second round, we showed remarkable improvement and that has reflected on our performances. I am expecting a good game against Al Rayyan. I wish my boys will go out and bring out their best,” he said.
Al Arabi have collected nine points thanks to three wins out of their four appearances in this year’s League while Al Rayyan remained fifth in the table with eight points with two wins and two draws.
