Al Shamal face Al Duhail in the opening match in Week 11 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League. The kick-off is at 16:30 at the Al Duhail Stadium on Monday, January 23.

The match is crucial for both teams who will be striving to get the valuable three points, especially Al Duhail - who are eager to make it to the top of the rankings. Only two points separate Al Duhail and leaders Al Arabi, while Al Shamal are looking to score wins to improve their position in the table.

Al Duhail so far have 20 points from nine matches, while Al Shamal are in seventh place with 10 points obtained from seven matches, after their matches were postponed when the league resumed after a long break.

The Al Duhail-Al Shamal clash will not be easy for both teams. The difficulty factor lies in the common goals of the rivals.

Al Shamal made a great start and are keen to continue what they did before the break. They have achieved three wins and a draw apart from three defeats and thus want to make amends and return to the path of more success and positive results with good performance and results.

Al Shamal’s Moroccan coach Hicham Zahid is counting on the good physical condition of his players – both foreign and local professionals.

Al Duhail, who have continued to race ahead, would want to take advantage of their players’ high confidence having won in the last two rounds and continue the good run.

The Red Knights’ coach Hernan Crespo knows that Al Shamal will not be an easy opposition and therefore wants his players to be cautious.

While Al Duhail start as favourites, Al Shamal are capable of challenging them and even producing surprising results. The contest is set to reignite the QNB Stars League flame for the fans for sure.