Survival still possible for the Stallions
 
Relegation threatened Muaither are next under the spotlight as we look at the progress of the teams in the QSL during the international break. The Stallions have enjoyed a mixed season this term, showing glimpses of quality at times, but ultimately are looking increasingly doomed in their survival bid.

In truth, many people would not have given Muaither much of a chance of beating the drop, seeing that traditionally most newly promoted sides often end up back in the Qatar Gas League after one season in the top flight. However despite this, Muaither have bucked the odds and still have a chance of pulling off a great escape.

Phillipe Birol’s side endured a torrid start to the season, notching up four straight defeats from their opening games of the season. However three straight wins propelled the Stallions out of the drop zone, and things started to look promising for last season’s Qatar Gas League champions. That was soon to come to an end after a seven game losing streak, which psychologically took its toll on the Stallions squad.

To date, Muaither have registered four wins, four draws and fifteen defeats in the league. Goal scoring has been a major problem for the side and Muaither have only scored twenty times this season, which is the lowest tally in the league. To compound their frustrations front of goal, summer signing Alain Dioko left the club in January after struggling with injury.

Realistically, Muaither must be targeting an eleventh placed finish in the league which would see them take on the second placed side from the Qatar Gas League in a relegation play-off. One thing on Muaithers side is that they boast the most victories of the two other sides in the relegation zone, and could pull off a great escape if they register at least two wins from their final three games of the season.

Even more comforting for Muaither is the fact that they are taking on three sides that could yet be pulled into the relegation dog-fight. The Stallions will take on Al Sailiya, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Ahli knowing that positive results in each game could give them just enough momentum to pull themselves out of trouble.

Head coach Phillipe Birol has constantly been consistently encouraging his side over the course of the season, despite their precarious position. The French coach will have to dig deep in the final three games of the season to get the very best from his young side if the Stallions are to beat the drop back to the Qatar Gas League.