Al Sadd’s players celebrate after winning a match during an earlier round of the QNB Stars League in this file photo.
Doha: Table-toppers Al Sadd will be determined to seal the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title tomorrow by winning full points against Al Ahli as the stage is set for round 21 action.
The Wolves have accumulated 51 points with 16 wins this season and a victory today will see coach Jesualdo Ferreira’s men win the title for a record-extending 14th time as Xavi Hernandez-led team will be crowned champions in front of their home crowd.
All matches of this round will take place today to give all 12 teams an equal advantage.
The match kicks off at 6.10pm.
Al Sadd missed out on their title when they were held to a 2-2 draw by hosts Al Duhail last week.
Al Sadd drew three matches and lost only one. Incidentally, their only defeat was against Al Ahli (1-4) in the first leg. So they will be wary of The Brigadiers.
Al Ahli also have much at stake in the match as they are level on 33 points with fourth-placed Al Rayyan. Spaniard Ruben de la Barrera’s wards have 10 wins, three draws and seven defeats against their name. Their goal difference is -2 (29 goals for and 31 against).
The outcome will largely depend on how best the Al Ahli defence tackles the likes of Baghdad Bounedjah and Akram Afif.
Al Ahli are tied with fourth-placed Al Rayyan on 33 points, so they will be keen to collect points in their bid to finish in the top-four bracket.
The other matches which will take place today are Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Duhail, Al Khor vs Al Gharafa, Qatar SC vs Al Arabi, Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya and Umm Salal vs Al Shahania.
Bottom-placed Al Kharaitiyat, 12 points, are up against reigning champions Al Duhail, who have 47 points. The confrontation is of great importance to both teams.
Seventh-placed Al Gharafa (25 points) take on Al Khor (10th with 18 points) with an eye to improve their position even though they cannot finish among the top four this season.
On the other hand, Al Khor are still not completely out of danger zone and will look to sustain the winning momentum, having defeated Al Kharaitiyat in Week 20 by a big margin.
Qatar SC, 11th with 16 points, face Al Arabi with relegation threat in mind. Al Arabi are sixth with 27 points.
Al Rayyan and third-placed Al Sailiya will take the field with top-four finish at stake as the latter have only one point more than the former (33 points).
Al Shahania will surely have a point to prove when they play Umm Salal.
The final round of matches (Week 22) will be played either on 12th or 13th April.
The kick-off timings and venues will be decided later.
