The QNB Stars League Week 19 fixtures on Thursday are Al Duhail vs Al Sadd (Al Duhail Stadium, 18:00) and Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan (Al Gharafa Stadium, 20:10). The peculiarity of both games is that they involve the four heavyweights who are currently representing Qatar in the AFC Champions League.   

Al Duhail vs Al Sadd

The game between Al Duhail and Al Sadd assumes much significance as the winners will most likely become the ultimate champions this season.

Al Duhail are leading the table with 48 points, followed by Al Sadd on 46.

Al Duhail defeated Al Khor 4-0, while Al Sadd beat Al Ahli 5-0 last week.

Al Duhail start as the favourites considering their outstanding form and the fact that Al Sadd will be without forward Hassan Al Haydous and Iranian central defender Morteza Mohammed, both ruled out with injuries.

Morteza, who sustained a muscle injury in their game against Al Ahli, has had a good season and will be out of action for three weeks.

Al Duhail had won 4-2 in the first phase and will be keen to assert their supremacy over The Wolves who, on their part, will be eager to lift the league shield which they last did in the 2012-13 season. By the way, Al Sadd are the side that has won the most league titles.

Al Duhail and Al Sadd have made a strong start in the AFC Champions League as well, winning both their matches.

Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan (39 points) will look to consolidate their position in the third place when they travel to Al Gharafa, who have 26 points.

Al Rayyan will also look to build on their 4-0 win over Qatar SC that they achieved after a two-match winless run. Al Gharafa too have reasons for joy after the Qatar Football Association on Wednesday overturned their 2-3 loss to bottom side Al Markhiya and awarded The Cheetahs a 3-0 verdict as The Oryxes had breached the rule regarding resident players by fielding six instead of the stipulated five.

Al Gharafa are now placed fifth in the standings.

Al Rayyan had won 3-2 in the first phase.