In form Duhail face struggling Sadd in exciting showdown

Al Duhail and Al Sadd are set for a high-stakes clash in the Ooredoo Stars League at Khalifa International Stadium today, with the match kicking off at 6pm.Al Duhail enter the match with a perfect record, having secured 12 points from four consecutive wins. They are the only unbeaten team in the league. Meanwhile, Al Sadd, currently in third place with six points, have had a rocky start to the season, suffering defeats against Al Shamal and Umm Salal. In their latest outings, Al Duhail defeated Al Wakrah 2-0, while Al Sadd were handed a 1-3 loss by Umm Salal, setting the stage for a critical encounter between the two heavyweights.Both teams have standout players capable of making a difference. Al Duhail’s attacking line-up includes Michael Olunga, Almoez Ali, Edmilson, and Karim Boudiaf. However, they will be without midfielder Ibrahima Diallo, who is suspended following a red card against Al Wakrah.Al Sadd will rely on key players such as Akram Afif, Spaniard Rafa Mujica, Mateus Uribe, Pedro Miguel, and goalkeeper Meshaal Barshim. They will also be missing Mohammed Waad, who was sent off in the loss to Umm Salal.Al Duhail coach Christophe Galtier emphasised his team’s commitment to extending their winning streak and maintaining their top spot in the standings. Galtier praised Al Sadd’s offensive capabilities, including Afif, Brazilian Giovanni Henrique, and Cristo Gonzalez, and warned his players about the threat posed by Sadd’s counterattacks."We must defend strongly, impose our usual style, and continue to play in our accustomed tactical form, maintaining good ball possession. Of course, Al Sadd have strong offensive players like Akram Afif and young Giovanni, so we must be cautious, especially against their quick counterattacks,” Galtier said."Our team is fully prepared, apart from the absence of Ibrahima Diallo. I don’t think there will be a clear advantage for either team, and it will be a strong match as expected,” he added. "Facing Al Sadd is a match against a direct competitor, and while it’s still early in the season, it’s a significant test for us.”Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a positive result, despite the challenge posed by in-form Duhail. "We know we are up against a strong team, but we are confident in our ability to perform well. We will work hard to achieve a good result,” said Sanchez. "It’s still the beginning of the season, and while we’ve lost some points, we are determined to close the gap and improve our standing.”Elsewhere, Umm Salal will face Al Shahania at Al Janoub Stadium. Umm Salal, currently fourth due to goal difference, are coming off a morale-boosting 3-1 win over reigning champions Al Sadd. Al Shahania sit in 12th place with only two points from two draws and two losses, including a recent 2-4 defeat to Al Rayyan.In the other match today, Al Khor take on Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium. Al Khor, newly promoted from the Second Division, have three points from three draws and one loss, placing them ninth. They have a superior goal difference over Al Arabi and Qatar SC, who are 10th and 11th with the same points tally.Al Shamal are eighth in the standings, with four points from one win, one draw, and two losses. They recently drew against Al Gharafa and are keen to return to winning ways.