Al Sadd go into their crunch AFC Champions League tie against Al Jazira knowing a victory can turn their disappointing domestic season around.
So far, the Wolves haven’t seen a victory in 2016, and are currently 19 points off the pace in the Qatar Stars League (QSL). Despite their slow start to the season, Al Sadd are not a team to be underestimated and on a good day day can easily outplay any side they face.
Jesualdo Ferreira’s side only have to look back to their 2-1 win over runaway leaders Al Rayyan in December’s Qatar Clasico to know that they can beat the very best.
Defensively, however, they have been leaking more goals than usual this season.
They have addressed this by bringing in two centre-backs in the form of Pedro Correia from fellow
QSL side Al Ahli and Morteza Pouraliganji, who starred for Iran in the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia.
They have only had one game together so far, but there are signs it could be a fruitful partnership.
Al Sadd have one of the most decorated midfielders in the modern game in Xavi. The Barcelona icon has been on fine form for AlSadd since his summer move, comfortably looking the best player in their squad. His metronomic passing will be crucial if the visitors are to control the tie.
Boss Ferreira has chopped and changed his striking options in recent weeks and it looks as though he will turn to Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydoos to supply the goals.
Last season’s Qatar Football Association Player of the Year has been in good form and will be charged with firing the Wolves into the group stages. Despite stuttering domestically, Al Sadd will be eager to perform in the AFC Champions League group stages and will look to repeat their feat of lifting the trophy back in 2011.
But they know their quest starts with a tough away clash with Jazira at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Mitch Freeley is the digital content officer for the QSL. Follow him for updates about the Qatari football scene on Twitter via @mitchos.