Al Kharaitiyat midfielder Majid Aman Salmeen in action during a QNB Stars League match in this file photo.
Doha: Al Kharaitiyat will fight a do-or-die battle against reigning champions Al Duhail in tomorrow’s round 21 fixture of the QNB Stars League (QSL).
The kick-off is at 18:10 at the Al Ahli Stadium.
Al Kharaitiyat, who are placed rock-bottom with only 12 points, are having a last chance to stay in the QNB Stars League next season, so they have their task cut out against formidable opponents.
On the other hand, Al Duhail’s chances of retaining the title will depend not only on their positive results in the last two rounds, but also on Al Sadd’s failure.
Al Duhail, who drew 2-2 with Al Sadd in Week 20, have 14 wins to their credit. The Red Knights drew five matches and lost one, and have a total tally of 47 points, four less than leaders Al Sadd.
They have a goal difference of +33 (49 goals for and 16 against).
Al Kharaitiyat have four wins and 16 defeats against their name. The Thunders’ goal difference is -37, the worst among all 12 teams. They scored 16 goals and conceded 53.
Al Duhail had defeated Al Kharaitiyat 4-1 in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Qatar SC, who are placed 11th in the standings, will eye full points against Al Arabi tomorrow. The match kicks off is at 6.10pm at the Qatar SC Stadium.
Qatar SC are in a must-win situation to ward off danger, so they will throw everything into the game.
However, if 10th placed Al Khor wins against Al Gharafa, Qatar SC’s position will see nochanges.
Qatar SC, who lost 0-1 to Umm Salal in Week 20, have four wins, as many draws and 12 defeats against their name. The Kings have a goal difference of -20 (16 goals for and 36 against).
Al Arabi, who lost 1-2 to Al Ahli in the last round, are placed sixth with 27 points (nine wins and 11 defeats). The Dream Team have a goal difference of -12 (25 goals for and 37 against).
Al Khor are sure to go all out against Al Gharafa at the Al Khor Stadium.
Al Khor are coming off a crucial 4-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat that gave them a lifeline as The Knights were staring at relegation. They are now placed 10th and have 18 points (five victories, three draws and 12 defeats). Their goal difference is -14 (21 goals for and 35 against).
Al Khor have players of great calibre such as Brazilians Tiago Bezerra as well as Wagner Ferreira and Helal Mohammed.
Al Gharafa are also going into the match with an eye to sustain the winning momentum, having beaten formidable rivals Al Rayyan 4-2 in the last round.
The Cheetahs are placed seventh with 25 points (seven wins, four draws and nine defeats). They have a goal difference of -2 (34 goals for and 36 against).
Al Gharafa cannot finish among the top four even if they win the remaining matches, but they can definitely improve their position. They have the likes of Vladimir Weiss, Mehdi Taremi and Abdulaziz Hatem to deliver the goods.
Al Gharafa had beaten Al Khor 6-0 in the first leg.
