QNB Stars League- Saturday Preview
Saturday will see three games take place, as the first round of the QNB Stars League comes to a close. First up will see newly promoted Al Markiya will take on last seasons Qatar Cup winners Al Sadd, in what promises to be a stern test for Yusef Adam and his inexperienced Markiya side. Understandably the side has undergone plenty of changes in the professional ranks, and Adam will be hoping that Burkina Faso international Alain Traoré can hit the ground running for his new team. Whilst for Al Sadd they have added to their squad and are primed for a title push in what will be playmaker Xavi’s last ever season as a professional footballer.
Later on in the evening and Al Arabi take on Al Sailya, in what promises to be a interesting game for the much changed Arabi team. New coach Kais Yâakoubi will be aiming to start strongly, and will be putting plenty of faith in new signing Ibrahim Khalfan who is returning to his childhood club. As for Al Sailiya they have elected to stick with the majority of their squad for this season, however Nadir Belhadj formally of Al Sadd has returned to the QNB Stars League and will be raring to go to make a positive impact with his new side.
The final match of the round will see Al Khor take on title challengers Al Rayyan. The Knights have turned to French coach Laurent Banide to guide the side this term, and after a couple of years battling relegation they will be hoping for a positive start to the campaign against Rayyan. Whilst Al Rayyan have strengthened significantly in the close season. Moroccan striker Abdulrazak Hamdullah is the most eye-catching signing of the summer and will be charged with firing Rayyan to title glory.
