DOHA : The 17th round of the Qatar Stars League kicks off on Saturday with six matches that could reshape the standings as teams battle for crucial points.
League leaders Al Sadd SC, who sit on 35 points, headline the round with a heavyweight clash against Al Duhail SC, currently eighth on 21 points.
Al Sadd are chasing a 10th consecutive victory in a run that has propelled them four points clear at the top, while Al Duhail are seeking to recover ground after dropping points in recent rounds.
Second-placed Al Shamal SC take on fifth-placed Qatar SC in another key encounter, despite a seven-point gap between the sides.
Elsewhere, Al Gharafa SC meet rivals Al Rayyan SC in a clash that could revive hopes of climbing into contention.
Al Arabi SC, positioned mid-table, face Al Sailiya SC, who have moved off the bottom and are looking to build momentum against stronger opposition.
Bottom-placed Al Shahaniya SC, on 11 points, take on 10th-placed Al Ahli SC Doha, who have 15 points, with both sides aiming to ease relegation concerns.
Umm Salal SC are targeting their sixth win of the campaign as they look to move clear of a 15-point tie with Al Sailiya and Al Ahli, though seventh-placed Al Wakrah SC are expected to provide stiff resistance.
