File picture of action between Lekhwiya and El Jaish.

By Sports Reporter/Doha

Rivals El Jaish and Lekhwiya face off for the first time this season, in what promises to be a fascinating derby between the QSL’s top sides. The last time these two rivals met, it was in the Qatar cup final, in which Lekhwiya ran out narrow 1-0 winners to lift the Qatar Cup for the first time in their history.
El Jaish come into the tie on a strong run of form and remain undefeated this season in the QSL. In round 5 they comprehensively defeated Al Gharafa 4-1 with three quick goals in a 14 minute spell.
Whilst Lekhwiya stumbled to their first defeat of the season losing to Al Arabi 3-2, and will be looking to get back to winning ways, The cops will also be without midfielder Karim Boudiaf who was sent off last weekend.
Jaish will be confident on getting a result against their bitter rivals, especially that new signing Abderazak Hamdallah has settled so well into the side. The Moroccan international has been on fine form for the soldiers this season and is currently joint lead goal scorer in the QSL with six.
Lekhwiya will be turning to attacking midfielder Yuseff Msakni to deliver the goals. The Tunisian international has also grabbed six goals in four appearances this season, and will be hoping to add to his tally. Despite losing for the first time this season, expect Lekhwiya to bounce back under the management of head coach Djamel Belmadi.
The tie is set to be a real battle between two sides that traditionally occupy the top four places come the end of the season. Now to see what happens during the match.

Rayyan sweating on fitness of Nathan ahead of Arabi match
Al Rayyan Sports Club central defender Nathan Otavio has undergone a medical examination today in Aspetar in order to identify the seriousness of his injury suffered during his team’s 4-2 victory over Al Khor in round 5.
Rayyan where handed another boost after medical examinations proved that the injury suffered by player Mohamed Jumaa in the same match against Al Khor was a mild muscle strain, Jumma suffered the injury in the second half and the match and should be fit for selection.
Nathan sustained the injury mid-way through the first half and continued to play, before being substituted at half time. Al Rayyan will be hoping that his injury is not serious in order for him to play in the coming derby against Al Arabi in round six of the Qatar Stars League.