Round 22 of the season will see a spotlight match between two sides that are battling for survival in the QSL. Al Shahanaia welcome an in-form Al Kharaitiyat side to Al Arabi stadium knowing that only a win will be enough, with time running out for Igor Štimac’s side.

Last time out, Al Shahania took the lead twice against bottom of the table Al Wakrah only to be pegged back thanks to two penalties. Shahania have registered the most draws of any other side in the QSL this season with 11 so far. The Oryxes are currently in twelfth place in the QSL standings, and five points away from safety.

If Shahania are to grab only their third win of the season, they will need Iranian striker Rahim Zahivi to be on top form on Saturday evening. The former Esteghlal Khuzestan attacker grabbed a brace last time out against Wakrah, and his goal scoring prowess will be needed again if the Oryxes are to pick up all three points.

As for Al Kharaitiyat, they seem to have been finding their form at exactly the right time as they beat to beat the drop into the Qatar Gas League. Ahmad Al-Ajlani’s side have now registered back to back wins in the league, following their impressive 2-1 win over El Jaish.
The all-important win saw the Thunders pull out of the relegation zone, and give the side renewed hope of beating relegation for another season.

Uzbek winger Sanzhar Tursunov has been crucial to his sides upturn in fortunes since joining the side in January. The former Umm Salal player has been inspirational in attack in the last few weeks, regularly creating chances for his team-mates. Tursunov will have to be at his very best if Kharaitiyat are to break down the stubborn Shahania backline.

It certainly promises to be a fascinating relegation battle when Al Shahania take on Al Kharaitiyat in the QSL spotlight match for round 22.