Al Markhiya face Al Shamal in the opening match in Week 6 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi Club. The kick-off is at 5.30pm.

It is a crucial match for both teams and a win will help them gain the valuable three points and a much-needed rise in stature.

Al Markhiya are currently at the bottom of the table without a point having suffered five successive defeats, which also prompted them to replace their coach Anthony Hudson with Algerian Madjid Bougherra.

Al Markhiya have managed to score only three goals so far, having the weakest attack in the competition so far, while conceding 13 goals.

Al Shamal are placed ninth in the table with three points gained from as many draws. They suffered two defeats and are yet to log a win so far. The team has scored nine goals and conceded 12.

Both teams hope that the match will be a big opportunity for them to achieve their first victory of the season. The contest is therefore expected to be closely fought with a lot of excitement and rivalry.

Bougherra took over the technical leadership of Al Markhiya, following his great success with the Algerian national football team – whom he guided to the 2021 Arab Cup triumph and into the final of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. The new coach will look forward to correcting the team’s path, starting with the match against Al Shamal.

As for Al Shamal coach Poya Asbaghi, he has certainly worked towards rectifying their mistakes during the recent break, especially their attack, and will also hope for his side to achieve their first win of the season.