Al Markhiya face Al Wakrah in Week 16 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday, March 3, 2023. The kick-off is at 19:30.

The two teams enter the match under different circumstances since they met in the first-leg clash, which had ended in a goalless draw in Week 5.

Al Wakrah, who made a strong start this season, have however seen their results decline, suffering losses and draws - the last of which was against Al Shamal in the postponed Week 8 match which ended in a goalless draw.

Al Markhiya on the other hand want to continue their good run having gained a 2-1 victory over Umm Salal in their postponed Week 8 match.

Al Wakrah are sixth in the rankings with 20 points with a goal difference over Al Ahli, while Al Markhiya are eighth with 15 points.

Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez is trying to improve his team’s standing having fallen after being in the top four at one stage. He would therefore want the team to claim the three points to correct their situation and since they also have the same number of points as Al Ahli.

Lopez can rely on their Angolan striker Jacinto Dala, who missed the last match due to suspension, Algerian Mohamed Benyettou, Brazilian defender Lucas Mendes, Hazem Shehata, Omar Ali and others.

For Al Markhiya, their last win over Umm Salal will act as a morale booster and they will battle hard against Al Wakrah to obtain maximum points and climb up the rankings ladder.

Led by national coach Abdullah Mubarak, Al Markhiya have many match winners, most notably their distinguished Moroccan star Driss Fettouhi, who scored two goals against Umm Salal, Ali Al Mohannadi, Yousef Hani, Jameel Al Yahmadi and others.