IKOLI VICTOR
DOHA
The top two teams in the QNB Stars League meet for a winner-take-all encounter at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday. The match kicks off at 6.10pm.
Al Sadd are the ones chasing Al Duhail after beating Umm Salal 4-1 last week. The Wolves remain only one point behind the leaders.
The result of the Round 9 match could either consolidate Duhail's position at the top of the league with 22 points or give Al Sadd on 21 points the opportunity to overtake the five-time league champions.
Duhail boast of the best attack in the league with 33 goals and Al Sadd are 12 behind them on 21.
Duhail's shot conversion rate has been extraordinary. They have the two best scorers in the league in Youssfef El Arabi with 14 goals and Captain Youssef Msakni with 8 goals. These two teams are the entertainers with Duhail the only unbeaten team in the league.
Baghgad Bounedjah is Al Sadd's main striker with 5 goals in 404 minutes. Spanish legend and former Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez has been just as impressive in his role as the playmaker, contributing to 3 goals in 630 minutes.
If there is a weakness for Duhail, it is perhaps their shaky defence that has conceded 12 goals. For Al Sadd, their goal conversion rate has been dismal this season considering the number of talents at their disposal.
Whoever plays for both teams will have to put up a credible performance as the league nears it half-way mark.
Of course, El Arabi is still the key man for Duhail - but Ismael Mohammed has assisted four with three of El Arabi's goals in their 8-2 demolition of Kharaitiyat. There is no denying Duhail have had a superb start to the season, but there are still those wondering just how good this team really is.
The two sides have played 14 times in the league since Duhail made their debut in 2011, each side winning 6 games apiece.
Duhail's biggest win against Al Sadd was a 4-2 victory on November 27, 2015, Al Sadd managed to achieve their biggest win over the Red Knights on October 2, 2014 with a 3-0 scoreline.
Korean Nam Nam Tee is the top scorer in the clash with six goals. His first goal was on March 11, 2012 with Duhail winning 2-1.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi said that the match between the top sides is important but not decisive in the title race.
"This match is important, but not that decisive. There're still games left in the first phase and many more matches to come in the second phase. Our goal is to collect three points, like we wish from all the games."
"In the last seven seasons, we've won five league tournaments and the team that wins a lot means it's at a good level. We don't have to prove anything in the match against Al Sadd and I don't want to give it any undue importance. I'm preparing my players in the best possible way," Belmadi added.
Al Sadd coach Ferreira said:"It will be a very important game. Winning will give us the lead in the table and the players do not need any other motivation."
Hungarian referee Istvan Vad will be in charge of the match.