The Peninsula
Exciting games are on the cards as the QNB Stars League (QSL) moves to the final three rounds with the title fight expected to go down to the wire.
Going into the decisive stage, Al Duhail lead the points standings with 45 points after they regained their two-point lead over second place Al Arabi after edging Al Rayyan in a postponed match last week. By winning all their remaining matches, the Hernan Crespo’s side will lift the Falcon Shield after a gap of two seasons.
They will meet Umm Salal in their Week 20 match on Saturday before a big clash against defending champions Al Sadd on May 4. Al Duhail will take on Al Shamal in their final match of the league on May 8.
“The important thing is we have started winning again at a crucial time in the league. The win has made us top contenders for the title again,” Crespo had said after win over Al Rayyan that came following back-to-back defeats for his side.
However, any setback for the Red Knights during their upcoming matches can pave the way for Younes Ali-coached Arabi, who have showed ruthless form against Al Sailiya, thrashing them 7-1 in the Amir Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
“We will now focus on the QSL and will try our best to win all the matches,” the Al Arabi coach said after the semi-final. The Dream Team will take on Al Wakrah on Saturday with their last two games scheduled against Al Gharafa and Al Sadd.
Juan Manuel Lillo’s Al Sadd, who are eyeing third consecutive title triumph, are also in fray to win the Falcon Shield.
The Wolves are trailing the Red Knights by seven points but a positive aspect of their remaining campaign is that they will be up against both their title rivals Al Duhail and Al Arabi in their last two fixtures and wins in these matches can do wonders for them in their hunt for the crown.
Al Sadd’s focus will be on their tomorrow’s Week 20 match against Al Rayyan, who are battling to stay from the relegation zone languishing ninth in the standings with 17 points.
Meanwhile, a three-way battle for the fourth spot among Al Gharafa, Al Wakrah and Qatar SC will also add spice in the upcoming weeks.
Al Gharafa are currently fourth with 32 points followed by Al Wakrah with 30 points while Qatar SC are sixth with 29 points.