Al Gharafa’s Wesley Sneijder (left) is congratulated by a team-mate during a QNB Stars League (QSL) match in this file photo.
DOHA: Al Gharafa will be looking to finish off within the top four as the curtains come down on the 2017-18 season QNB Stars League (QSL) this weekend.
The 22nd and final week of the action-filled QSL season sees Dutch superstar Wesley Sneidjer-led Al Gharafa taking on Qatar SC on their home turf on Sunday, April 8.
Al Gharafa and Umm Salal are on same number of points (32) but the former is on top thanks to the goal difference.
Umm Salal take on Al Markhiya at Al Ahli Stadium in search of a big win on Sunday.
The fourth placed team will seal a spot in the Qatar Cup Tournament.
In other matches on Sunday, third placed Al Rayyan lock horns with Al Ahli (Al Sadd Stadium) and Al Khor meet Al Arabi (Al Khor Stadium).
On Saturday, April 7, Al Sadd, with no pressure on their minds, having secured the second position, meet Al Kharaitiyat (Al Sadd Stadium). Al Kharaitiyat have earned play-off with Second Division runners-up Al Wakrah following their last-gasp win over Qatar SC in Week 21.
The winners of the play-off, to be held on April 14, will get a berth in the top flight.
This season’s champions Al Duhail will take on Al Sailiya (Al Duhail Stadium).
Al Duhail have dominated the season so far and have managed to stay unbeaten to secure the prestigious Falcon Shield.
Coach Djamel Belmadi’s men sealed the 2017-18 title with a 5-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat in Week 20, having taken an unassailable lead against nearest challengers Al Sadd.
Then, they went on to defeat Al Markhiya 4-2 in Week 21 to increase their points to 57 ahead of the final round of matches.
Al Duhail won 18 matches and drew three during the course of the QSL season.
Despite their awesome form, Al Duhail will be in no mood for let-up but Al Sailiya will be looking to finish off with a win.
Second Division champions Al Shahania have earned promotion to next season’s QNB Stars League.
Al Ahli, Qatar SC and Al Khor will all look to better their standings, while Al Sailiya have already been assured of the sixth position.
Al Markhia were relegated following their defeat to Al Duhail in the last round.
Al Arabi take on Al Khor as they seek to register their fifth victory in a row, with the latter also on a high following their win over Al Sadd in Week 21.
The QSL Management revised fixtures for the final-week action and the games will be played over two days, instead of one.
All matches will kick off at 6.15pm, giving teams equal advantage.
The changes were made because most positions had been decided ahead of Week 22 and also to allow the host broadcaster to cover as many matches as possible.
The league action is resuming after a gap of three weeks.
