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396712
Thu, 02/11/2016 - 20:57
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18th Round of Qatar Stars League Kicks Off Friday

Doha, February 11 (QNA) - Round 18 of the Qatar Stars League kicks-off on Friday evening when Al Arabi face Lekhwiya in the match of the week at Grand Hamad Stadium at 16:45. Al Arabi registered their first victory in four QSL matches in a pulsating 3-2 win over Al Gharafa last time out. Last weekend Al Arabi dominated their opponents for vast periods of the tie, only conceding two late goals. For visitors Lekhwiya they will be looking to get back to winning ways after carelessly dropping points to Al Sailiya in round 17. Djamel Belmadis side had been on an eight game winning streak previously climbing to second place in the QSL standings. At the same time Al Kharitiyat will face Al Ahli in a battle to avoid the drop. Both teams have been in poor form lately and will be looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation dog fight. Last time out Al Kharitiyat were soundly beaten by El Jaish 3-0 whilst Ahli did have an encouraging 1-1 draw with Al Sadd. New Ahli coach Youseff Adam will be eager to get a first win under his belt and would have targeted the Kharitiyat tie as a must win. The 19:15 Kick off at Al Sadd will see QSL league leaders face an inform Al Khor. Khor are now unbeaten in 5 QSL games, and have been defensively strong under French coach Jean Fernandez. The knights will be tested when they take on the run away QSL league leaders in Al Rayyan. Rayyan have been firing on all cylinders this season and have only lost one match so far. Jorge Fossatis side know that they must keep winning in order for them to lift their first Falcon shield since 1995, and will be confident his team can get the result. Al Arabi boss Gianfranco Zola is expecting a reaction from Lekhwiya ahead of their round 18 Match of the week on Friday evening. "Lekhwiya are coming off the back of a loss to Sailiya, they will be looking to win again." The former West Ham coach noted at his sides pre match press conference on today morning. "I think we can build on the good performance we had against Gharafa." Lehwiyas assistant coach Bruno Oliveira believes that his side can return to winning ways, despite suffering a shock defeat to Al Sailya in round 17 of the QSL. Speaking earlier today at his sides pre match press conference he said; "We will face a good side his week, but Lekhwiya is used to playing with high pressure, and I am confident we can get a good result." Oliveria concluded the press conference to address the rumours around Youseff Msakni who has been linked with a number of sides in China. "Rumors like this always dog big players. Msakni is happy and Lekhwiya is happy with Youseff." (QNA)

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