Al Gharafa host Al Sadd in pivotal league encounter

Al Gharafa and Al Sadd are set to meet in a standout fixture of Matchday 14 in the 2025–2026 Doha Bank Stars League. The contest will take place at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Saturday, January 31, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm.

The meeting carries significant weight for the championship picture, as both sides remain firmly in the hunt for the top position. With the season entering a decisive phase, the outcome could have a major impact on momentum at the summit.

Supporters are expected to witness an intense and high-tempo contest, given the quality available on both benches and the importance of the points on offer.

Title ambitions raise the stakes

The two contenders arrive separated by five points in the standings. Al Gharafa currently occupies first place with 31 points, while Al Sadd follows closely in second on 26.

Their earlier meeting this campaign ended in a 2–0 success for Al Sadd, adding an extra edge to the return clash. That result provides added motivation for the hosts as they look to protect their advantage.

With both teams aiming to strengthen their title credentials, Saturday’s match is widely viewed as one of the defining moments of the season so far.

Key players and absentees

Al Gharafa will look to their attacking options, including Yacine Brahimi, Alvaro Djalo, and Ferjani Sassi, to provide the cutting edge. However, Spanish forward Joselu will miss out due to suspension.

Al Sadd, the reigning champions, will depend on influential figures such as Akram Afif, Roberto Firmino, and Giovanni Henrique. Their squad will be without Paulo Otavio through accumulation of cards, while Youcef Atal remains sidelined with injury.

Both sides recently appeared in the Qatar-UAE Super Cup, where Al Gharafa were eliminated by Sharjah on penalties and Al Sadd secured victory against Shabab Al Ahli, results that add further context ahead of this league showdown.