Al Duhail vs Al Sadd

Damjanovic: Al Duhail to edge Al Sadd in heavyweight clash

Two of Qatar’s biggest clubs Al Sadd and Al Duhail will meet in a match I’m really looking forward to!

Al Sadd have been the more dominant force in recent times with three league titles in four years but they’ve had a rocky start this season, losing twice in four matches so far.

I believe manager Felix Sanchez should act fast to fix the defensive frailties or risk falling further behind. Tarek Salman and Paulo Otavio will have to be at their best in defence to salvage something out of this, especially with Mohammed Waad suspended after a red card in the defeat to Umm Salal.

One thing working for Al Sadd and Sanchez is their attack and I’ve loved watching their striker Rafa Mujica who’s already scored five goals and will be key in this game.

Meanwhile, Al Duhail have played four and won four while scoring an incredible 13 goals and conceding just once.

But their sturdy backline, manned by the brilliant duo of Lucas Verissimo and Ibrahima Bamba, will face their biggest test yet in this fixture.

Though they will be without suspended midfielder Ibrahima Diallo, their dangerous front three of Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali and Michael Olunga is more than capable of firing them to crucial victories.

This match is tough to call but Al Sadd will have tired legs after travelling for a 1-1 draw with Al Ain in the Asian Champions League during the midweek, so I’m going with a crucial win for Al Duhail come Saturday.

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