Doha [Qatar], April 3: The Qatar Stars League enters a decisive stage this weekend with defending champions and leaders Al Sadd (38 points), Al Shamal, Al Gharafa (34 pts each), and Al Rayyan (31 pts) in big battle for the top spot.
While 18-time champions Al Sadd and 7-time winners Al Gharafa both have three games left in the league season, Al Shamal have four games on hand (one being from postponed Week 17). Given the scenario Al Sadd, who have won 12 matches, drawn 2 and lost 5 (including 2 in their last two games) cannot afford a slip up.
Al Shamal are eyeing their maiden triumph in the prestigious 12-team competition and also have a chance to lay their hands on the Falcon Shield for the first time provided Al Sadd are somehow held back.
Al Shamal play Umm Salal on Saturday, before meeting Al Rayyan, Qatar SC and Al Sadd - in the concluding round on April 28.
Al Gharafa meanwhile would be looking to break past the other two but they will need to find winning form.
There would be an equal battle for relegation survival between three teams at the bottom - Al Shahania (now on 17 pts), Al Sailiya (18 pts) and Al Ahli (19 pts).
A lot of excitement is therefore guaranteed at the business end of the league.
Al Shamal will be up against Umm Salal at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday with both teams being eager to return to winning ways.
Umm Salal are under immense pressure to achieve a positive result as they strive to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
They currently sit in ninth place with 20 points. Any further slip-up could complicate their position in the standings, so they need to go into the clash with a 'must-win' mentality to secure their survival in right earnest.
Al Shamal, who went down 1-3 to Al Duhail in their previous round, will also need to pull their socks up.
On Friday, Al Shahania will take on Al Arabi at the Khalifa International Stadium.
They head into the fixture aiming to recover from a narrow 2-3 defeat to Al Sailiya in their previous outing.
Al Arabi, meanwhile, arrive in stronger form and occupy sixth place with 28 points from 18 matches. They are level on points with fifth-placed Qatar SC but trail on goal difference, making this encounter significant in their push for a higher finish in the table.
The side boosted their confidence with a 2-1 victory over league leaders Al Sadd in their last match, underlining their competitive edge heading into the closing stages of season.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Al Arabi claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Al Shahania and they will be looking to complete a season double.
Al Shahania's assistant coach Pejman Montazeri said his team has no alternative to victory. "Al Arabi are a strong team and their recent win against Al Sadd has given them tremendous momentum. We know they will enter the match with high morale. But we are not looking for a draw; we will play for all three points."
Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra opined, "It will be a tough encounter as we face an opponent fighting to avoid relegation, which necessitates that we approach the match with utmost seriousness and maintain high mental focus throughout."
Al Rayyan and Al Sadd in Qatar Clasico
On Saturday, Al Rayyan and title contenders Al Sadd will clash in 'Qatar Clasico' at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium at 6.30pm.
While Al Rayyan will be aiming to continue their winning run to climb higher, Al Sadd will seek to return to winning ways to maintain their lead.
Al Sadd however will be missing the services of defender Ahmed Suhail, who was sent off in their last match against Al Arabi.
Both teams have been preparing thoroughly for the marquee game, with coach of each side striving to ensure that the team is in peak condition.
Al Rayyan's Spanish coach Vicente Moreno said his the team is looking forward to the match against Al Sadd. He stressed the need to remain calm and focused.
Responding to a question about the team's chances of winning the three available titles, he said: "Relax, we will try to win some titles."
Moreno understands the importance of delivering a strong performance for a positive result, which would give The Lions a significant boost after they qualified for the QSL Cup final.
On the other side, The Wolves' Italian coach Roberto Mancini is also aware of the importance of the match and the three points at stake for his team. He would be looking to deploy all his key players for the side to return to winning ways.
Source: Qatar Tribune
