Thursday’s QSL action involves four sides who are looking to improve their fortunes after a mixed start to the season.

The first game of the day will see Al Khor take on Al Kharaityat at Al Khor stadium, KO 17:30 in a potential early relegation six pointer. Both sides fell to narrow defeats to El Jaish and Al Arabi last time out, and will be eager to register their second win of the domestic season.

For Al Khor, they narrowly went down 1-0 to title chasing El Jaish. Head coach Jean Fernandez will be heartened by his side’s performance in the second half, but will be hoping for goals against fellow strugglers Al Kharitiyat. Moroccan attacker Mouhcine Iajour hasn’t scored since the opening game of the season, and will be charged with leading the Khor frontline.

As for the visitors, Al Kharitiyat fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Al Arabi. Amir Osim’s side grabbed a consolation three minutes from time against the Dream Team but it proved too late for them. One positive for the Thunders was new recruit Erik Paartalu. The Australian midfielder looked lively on his debut and could make a real impact for Kharitiyat this term.

The second game of the day will see Al Shahaniya take on Al Gharafa at Al Arabi stadium, KO 19:40pm.  Both side gained positive results in round three and will be looking to push up the QSL standings.

Al Shahania took the lead twice against Umm Salal last time out, before the visitors pegged them back for a 2-2 draw. Despite the result, head coach Zenando will be impressed by his side’s defensive resolve particularly towards the end of the second half. The Oryxes will be hoping that Algerian attacker Mohamed Tiaïba can add to his tally of two goals this season.

As for Al Gharafa, they have registered their first win of the season with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Muaither. Goals from Vladimir Weiss and Mohammed Razak gave the Cheetahs the win, and now will be targeting back to back wins over the newly promoted sides. Al Gharafa’s veteran midfielder Lawrence Quaye will be hoping to deliver another assured performance in the center of the park for his side.

Certainly promises to be an interesting opening pair of games of for round four of the QSL season. You can pick up tickets for the matches here.