Qatar Stars League - preview Round 25
Round 25, the penultimate round of the QSL season will see a relegation battle, and two key matches that could determine the destination of the QSL falcon shield.
Top of the table Lekhwiya take on Al Ahli on Thursday evening knowing full well that only three points will do if the Red Knights are to lift their fifth ever QSL falcon shield. Djamel Belmadi’s side posted an impressive 5-1 over local rival’s last time out, and will be targeting more of the same against Al Ahli. As for the Brigadeers, they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Al Kharaitiyat and will want to upset Lekhwiya to formally confirm survival for another season. Second placed Al Sadd will be looking to take the title into the final round of the season with a victory over Al Sailiya. The Wolves come into the tie in fine form, after dispatching Al Rayyan 4-1 in a fierce Qatar Clasico encounter. Whilst for Al Sailiya they will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 3-1 defeat to Al Sadd that they experienced during the first half of the season. Al Rayyan take on Al Arabi in a derby match in the 20:30 KO on Thursday evening. The Lions will be hurting after their heavy Qatar Clasico defeat to Al Sadd. They will be taking on an out of sorts Al Arabi, who are in danger of getting pulled into a relegation dog-fight heading into the final rounds of the season. Thursday’s QSL action is rounded off when fifth placed Al Gharafa take on fourth El Jaish. Both sides lost their round 24 encounters and will be aiming to end their campaigns on a high with a moral boosting victory. Jaish have confirmed their place in the Qatar Cup, and will be looking to test themselves against a Gharafa side that just missed out on qualification for the end of season tournament. Friday’s QSL action will start with a relegation battle between Al Khor and Al Shahania. Igor Štimac’s side nothing more than a win to give Al Shahania a chance of take their survival bit to the last round of the season. Both sides registered big wins last time out and know that a further three points will significantly boosts their survival hopes no end. Already relegated Al Wakrah will be hoping to restore some pride when they take on in-form Umm Salal. The Blue Waves confirmed their drop to the second division with a 2-0 defeat to Al Khor last time. Head coach Kais Yâakoubi will have a real job in raising the moral of his side. Round 25 of the QSL season comes to a close when Muaither, who also confirmed their relegation take on an Al Kharaitiyat side who have won four of their last five games in the league. The Thunders are now in seventh place in the league and will be targeting a further win to improve their ranking in the league.
