Round 18 of the QSL kicks-off on Friday evening when Al Arabi face Lekhwiya in the match of the week at Grand Hamad Stadium K.O at 16:45.

Al Arabi registered their first victory in four QSL matches in a pulsating 3-2 win over Al Gharafa last time out. Last weekend Al Arabi dominated their opponents for vast periods of the tie, only conceding two late goals.

For visitors Lekhwiya they will be looking to get back to winning ways after carelessly dropping points to Al Sailiya in round 17. Djamel Belmadi’s side had been on an eight game winning streak previously climbing to second place in the QSL standings.

At the same time Al Kharitiyat will face Al Ahli in a battle to avoid the drop.  Both teams have been in poor form lately and will be looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation dog fight.

Last time out Al Kharitiyat were soundly beaten by El Jaish 3-0 whilst Ahli did have an encouraging 1-1 draw with Al Sadd. New Ahli coach Youseff Adam will be eager to get a first win under his belt and would have targeted the Kharitiyat tie as a must win.

The 19:15 Kick off at Al Sadd will see QSL league leaders face an inform Al Khor. Khor are now unbeaten in 5 QSL games, and have been defensively strong under French coach Jean Fernandez. The knights will be tested when they take on the run away QSL league leaders in Al Rayyan. Rayyan have been firing on all cylinders this season and have only lost one match so far.

Jorge Fossati’s side know that they must keep winning in order for them to lift their first Falcon shield since 1995, and will be confident his team can get the result.