AlKass Digital
Doha, Qatar- Al Ahli will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the QNB Stars League when they take on Al Gharafa in Week 15 action tomorrow at the Al Gharafa Stadium.
Al Ahli have not lost in the last seven matches, that included five victories, and they will be keen to avenge the 4-0 first leg loss to Al Gharafa.
A positive result against Al Gharafa will mean Al Ahli, who are only one point adrift of fourth-placed Al Rayyan (24 points) will strengthen their bolster their chances of barging into the top-four bracket.
Al Ahli, who played out a goalless draw with Umm Salal last week are placed fifth with 23 points (seven wins, five defeats and two draws). The Brigadiers have a goal difference of +1 (22 goals for and 21 against).
Al Gharafa are sixth with 18 points (five victories, six defeats and three draws). The Cheetahs have a goal difference of +1 (26 goals for and 25 against).
Al Gharafa will be keen to put behind the disappointment of having suffered the biggest-margin defeat in the last round (1-8 against Al Sadd). That also dented a further blow to their hopes of finishing among the top four and thereby qualify for the Qatar Cup, just like they did last season.
It may be recalled that Al Gharafa pipped Umm Salal to the fifth position in the last round in the 2017-18 season.
Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat will face another stern test when they run into Al Rayyan in Week 15 action at the Al Khor Stadium tomorrow.
Al Rayyan are fourth in the standings with 24 points (six wins, as many draws and two defeats). The Lions have a goal difference of +2 (16 goals for and 14 against).
On the other hand, Al Kharaitiyat very much stare at relegation as they are lying at the rock bottom of the table with only three points (from the victory they registered against Al Gharafa in the first leg).
The Thunders lost all other matches.
Al Kharaitiyat have a goal difference of -31 (10 goals for and 41 against), the most by any team.
Al Rayyan are on a high after holding defending champions and table toppers Al Duhail to a 2-2 draw in Week 14. Interestingly, Al Rayyan had held Al Duhail goalless in the first leg and those two were the only occasions when Al Duhail dropped points in the 2018-19 season QNB Stars League.
It is vital for Al Rayyan not to drop points in their bid to finish among the top-four teams, as Al Ahli are breathing down their neck.
Al Rayyan had beaten Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 in the first leg.
On Friday, Al Duhail face Qatar SC, while Al Shahania clash with Al Sadd.
Al Duhail head the points table followed by Al Sadd.
Al Sailya are in the third place.
Saturday’s action will first pit Al Khor against Al Sailiya, while Umm Salal play Al Arabi in the final fixture of the round.