Al Sadd players in action during a practice session as coach Xavi Hernandez looks on.
Doha: Table-toppers Al Sadd resume their QNB Stars League (QSL) title hunt today following a brief interval as they take on Al Ahli at Al Sadd Stadium.
The Round 16 fixture kicks off at 6:15pm.
Favourites Al Sadd, coached by Barca great Xavi Hernandez, are 13 points clear at the top of the standings, having amassed 41 points from 13 wins, the most by any team this season.
The only team to stay unbeaten this season, Al Sadd have drawn two matches.
On the other hand, Al Ahli, currently occupying the sixth spot with 23 points but the Nebojsa Jovovic-coached side is targeting a top four finish.
They have seven wins under their belt and two draws, but have suffered six defeats.
Although they have a clear lead over second placed Al Duhail, the title holders, Xavi is keen to collect full points in today's match.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Xavi pointed out that Al Sadd’s title dreams rested in their own hands and that they couldn’t afford to lose focus at this stage.
“Now, everything depends on us. If we win three games in a row, we will win the title. It’s the most important title, in my opinion, because it means that we have had a really great season,” Xavi said ahead of the Round 16 clash.
“Now it depends on Al Sadd to win this title. If we win nine points, for sure we will complete the challenge. I am happy for the players because I think they deserve this. We worked really hard all season and now, it’s the most important part of the season.”
“We will play in the Qatar Cup also, but now we have to focus on the league and win this title.”
Al Sadd had beaten Al Ahli 7-1 in the first leg, but Xavi is not ready to take any chances.
“Our next game is against Al Ahli and you know we won the first game 7-1, but this is not their reality.”
“They are competing really well, they have a good team and a good coach, and they are having a very good season. I think they are not in the best moment now, because they started very well and then lost some games.”
He added: “Still, they have a good team and good players, and they have a strong character, especially the coach, who is doing very well. So, we cannot relax. We have to continue; we still haven’t won anything in the league yet.
“Of course, we have a big advantage, but we have to maintain it and win the title as soon as we can.”
“We are favourites to win against everybody now, but we cannot relax. We still need to win many matches,” Xavi said.
Meanwhile, at Qatar SC Stadium, Al Gharafa face Al Sailiya. Later at the same venue, Al Khor will meet Al Kharaitiyat.
Al Gharafa are in a comfortable position, being placed third in the table with 27 points. The Cheetahs beat Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 in Week 15 before the tournament took a break.
Al Gharafa, under the tutelage of Slavisa Jokanovic, have registered eight wins, three draws and four defeats with a goal difference of +9 (31 goals for and 22 against).
Al Sailiya are eighth in the table with 19 points. The Peregrines have five wins, four draws and six defeats against their name with a goal difference of -10 (17 goals for and 27 against). Sami Trabelsi’s men played out a goalless draw with Al Ahli in Week 15.
Al Sailiya had beaten Al Gharafa 4-2 in the first leg of 2020-21 season QNB Stars League.
