QNB Stars League returns Friday after 4-month break

The wait is almost over! The QNB Stars League, which was forced to take an unscheduled four-month long break due to the Coronavirus pandemic, will resume this Friday.

With five rounds remaining in the season, there is plenty to play for teams, with matches scheduled at Al Janoub and Al Sadd Stadiums, both possessing cooling technology for the player to cope the heat. The opening fixture will be held between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi at 4:45pm at Al Janoub Stadium, with battle for top four spot making it a interesting contest. Al Gharafa are fourth in the standings, behind leaders Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd in that order, with 28 points. They are only four points adrift of reigning champions Al Sadd. They also have four points more than their closest challengers and fifth-placed side Al Arabi (24 points).

Leaders Duhail will be in action on Saturday, as they face Umm Salal at Al Janoub Stadium. Duhail have 42 points four more than second-placed Al Rayyan and 10 points more than holders Al Sadd. They have only lost once this season and it will be interesting to see how they come back from a long break. In Umm Salal they have an easy opponent, as they are battling for survival in 11th position with 14 points, the same as Al Khor but behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, Rayyan, on the other hand will be hoping for a slip-up from Duhail and be in contention for the title. They resume their campaign against Qatar SC, which is struggling in ninth spot with 17 points.

Xavi Hernandez’s side face Al Khor at home on Saturday. Spanish midfield great Xavi, who signed a one year contract extension recently, will be hoping his players can go on a winning run, but it would still would need a miracle for them to lay their hands on the trophy. Al Khor are 10th with 14 points, the same as Umm Salal but ahead on goal difference.