QSL side Al Wakrah have a vital role to play in the battle for QSL survival. The Blue Waves will face two relegation-threatened sides in the final rounds, starting with Al Kharaitiyat on Saturday (kick-off 6.15 PM at Al Khor Stadium).

Wakrah all-but confirmed their QSL status with a 2-0 victory against high-flying Lekhwiya last time out. The result put them six points clear of second-bottom Qatar Sports Club, who currently occupy the final relegation slot, with two games – and six points – available. However Wakrah’s superior goal difference – they are 14 better off than QSC – means they are very unlikely to face the drop.

Two wins from their last three games have boosted Wakrah. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Umm Salal was preceded by a routine 3-1 victory over Mesaimeer – a side which has been rooted to the bottom all season and had its relegation confirmed weeks ago.

The current scenario means either QSC or Kharaitiyat will join Mesaimeer in the Qatar Gas League next season. Kharaitiyat are currently in the box seat when it comes to survival. They are a point better off than QSC and have a negative goal difference of 11, compared to QSC’s 22. Kharaitiyat also have the advantage of easier looking fixtures. After Wakrah this weekend, Amar Osim’s men will take on Umm Salal in their final match.

Kharaitiyat’s final-day test against the Orange Fortress test could prove irrelevant however. If Kharaitiyat beat Wakrah and QSC fail to beat Al Gharafa this weekend, the Thunders’ survival will virtually be guaranteed.

Kharaitiyat have drawn three of their last four games, including last time out against Al Khor. Their form has been especially patchy since the turn of the year, in contrast to the Kings, who have improved markedly following the arrival of Emiliano Vecchio. QSC will be hoping momentum is on their side heading into the final two games, while Kharaitiyat will be happy to stumble over the survival line.

Yahia Kebe is the main man for Kharaitiyat. He’s hit 16 goals this season, including two in his last two games to secure vital draws. The Burkina Faso international is enjoying the best goal scoring season of this professional career and will need to be on top form this weekend.

For Wakrah, striker Sebastian Saez is set to return from injury to lead the line. The Argentine has grabbed 16 goals in 23 games this season and could prove a thorn in the side for Kharaitiyat on Saturday.

Everything points to a pivotal weekend in the race for survival. It is certain to be tense at both Al Khor Stadium and Al Ahli Stadium as fans of both Kharaitiyat and QSC bite their nails throughout the 90 minutes. The evidence points to this particular battle going down to the final day but Kharaitiyat fans will be desperate to breathe a huge sigh of relief on Saturday night.