The QNB Stars League Week 18 fixtures on Saturday are Al Duhail vs Al Khor (Al Duhail Stadium, 16:50) and Al Markhiya vs Al Gharafa (Al Arabi Stadium, 19:00).

Al Duhail vs Al Khor

Al Duhail, who beat Umm Salal 5-0 in Week 17, have made it clear there would not be any let-up against Al Khor since their goal was to maintain an unbeaten streak en route to clinching the title and that they were preparing for this match with all the strength to achieve the win.

The Red Knights lead the table with 45 points, two more than second-placed Al Sadd. They were busy playing in the AFC Champions League as well and back-to-back wins, against Iran’s Zob Ahan and the UAE’s Al Wahda in Asia’s premier competition, have boosted their confidence.

All their players are ready for the Al Khor game, but the coaching staff may give opportunities to youngsters.

Al Duhail are benefiting from a healthy competition between their captain Youssef Msakni (18 goals) and top scorer Youssef El Arabi (21 goals).

Playmaker Nam Tae-Hee is also there in the list with 10 goals. Then, they have the likes of young Almoez Ali and Karim Boudiaf.

Al Khor, on 15 points, have a tough task on hand even though they are keen to collect points, especially after their 1-1 draw with Al Markhiya last week.

Al Duhail had won 4-2 in the first phase. 

Al Markhiya vs Al Gharafa

Al Markhiya, last with nine points, are up against Al Gharafa (23 points).

Al Markhiya did well in the last round by holding Al Khor in Tunisian coach Adel Sellimi’s first match in charge, yet The Oryxes are fighting for survival.

Al Markhiya have a point to prove by staying in the top flight after earning promotion this season. They had reinforced the squad with a few new players in the January transfer window in a desperate bid to survive in the QNB Stars League.

Al Gharafa have been in good form ever since the league’s second phase started with new additions (Dutch star Wesley Sneijder and Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi), and under Turkish coach Bulent Uygun.

The Cheetahs are keen to break into the top four and are coming off a convincing victory over Iranian side Tractorsazi Tabriz in the AFC Champions League.

The teams had played out a 1-1 draw in the first phase.