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Tribune News Network
Doha
After a disappointing result in the opening match of the QNB Stars League season, Al Arabi are looking to turn things around against hosts Al Duhail this week. On the contrary, Djamel Belmadi's side enjoyed a thrilling start last week with a last-minute 3-2 win against Qatar Sports Club and they will be looking to build on it in the second week of the competition.
The Red Knights' task could be a challenging one as Al Arabi will be looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Al Sailiya to kick start their new campaign.
The Dream Team will be looking for some inspiration from their new signing Khalfan Ibrahim who grabbed a impressive debut goal in the defeat.
However, Al Duhail will be hoping that Moroccan international striker Yousef El-Arabi will be able to add to his brace that he scored against Qatar SC last weekend.
Last season's top goal scorer enjoys playing against Al Arabi, and grabbed a hat-trick when the sides met for the first time during the 2016-17 season.
The Match certainly promises to be one of interest at Al Duhail Stadium. The kickoff for the match is scheduled at 20:00.
Bounedjah set to return for Al Sadd
Former champions Al Sadd are hopeful that last season's leading scorer Baghdad Bounedjah will be fit and ready for their Round Two match against Al Sailiya on Friday evening.
The Algerian attacker was a noticeable absentee in his side's shock 1-2 defeat to Al Markhiya, after picking up an injury as Al Sadd defeated Al Duhail in the Sheikh Jassim cup. Coaching staff will now start to prepare Bounedjah for the match at the Al Arabi Stadium.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd resumed training in preparation for their second match against Al Sailiya. Jesauldo Ferriera's side will be aiming to register their first points of the season against the Peregrines.
Spotlight on Gharafa vs Umm Salal match
Al Gharafa and Umm Salal will go up against each other in what promises to be one of the spotlight matches of the week.
The home side suffered a frustrating result last week and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Al Ahli.
Jean Fernandez's side will be looking to improve their performance in front of goal and will be looking for inspiration from last weekend's goal scorer Ilyas Mohamed and hoping that he can continue to combine with Luis Jimenez and create more goal scoring opportunities for the Cheetahs.
Umm Salal will be coming into this game on a high following last weekend's victory over Al Kharaitiyat. Mahmoud Jaber's side enjoyed an impressive 3-1 win and showed good attacking football.
Midfielder Ismael Mohammed scored a spectacular strike to open his account and the attacking midfielder will be looking to find the back of the net again against Gharafa.
Both sides enjoyed 2-0 victories over each other during the 2016-17 season, which would suggest that this encounter could be a tight affair. The game will played at Al Gharafa Stadium on Thursday evening at 20:00.
Qatar prepare for AFC U-16 qualifiers
Qatar's national team concluded its preparations on Tuesday for the AFC U-16 Championship qualifications that will kick off in Doha on Wednesday.
Team Qatar will begin campaign in the qualifications stage against Yemen at the Al Arabi Stadium in Doha.
The local side started the preparation for the event earlier in July where they played four friendly matches.
The event is significant as it will decide the teams of the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship.
