DOHA: Al Sadd coach Hussein Ammoutais backing on a star studded line-up to help his Al Sadd side beat hosts Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in their AFC Champions League match in Group D on Tuesday.
A fortnight ago, the two sides shared an entertaining 2-2 draw in Doha with Al Hilal’s Brazilian playmaker Thiago Neves netting either side of halftime. However, the result maintained the status quo, with Al Hilal remaining rooted to the bottom of the group and Al Sadd in pole position.
“We know that the match against Al Sadd will be very hard but we are ready. I expect big support from our fans who helped us a lot previously especially in the match against Al Ahli as they helped us to get a point from the match,” added Al Jaber.
Al Hilal’s Korea Republic midfielder Kwak Tae Hee and Nawaf Al Abed will both miss the match as they are still yet to recover from recent injuries.
Al Sadd coach Houssain Ammouta, though, has his own selection concerns with goalkeeper Mohamad Saqr doubtful for the game and veteran Spanish forward Raul and midfielder Talal Al Bloushi both ruled out through injury.
Forward Hassan Al Haydos does return from suspension, however, and Ammouta is convinced that his Qatari side has the experience to counteract the hostile environment Al Hilal’s supporters will look to create at their Riyadh stronghold.
“There is no doubt that the match against Al Hilal is going to be very tough as both sides will be looking to get a victory. Our players are ready for the match and they are focused on strengthening our position in the group,” said coach Ammouta.
“We have great experience and know how to deal with the pressure and the big presence of Al Hilal’s fans. We are ready for the match and our target is to give our best in order to get a positive result and get closer to the next stage of the competition.”
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