Al Arabi face Umm Salal in Week 2 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League on Sunday, August 27, 2023. The kick-off is at 6.30pm at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Both teams go into the encounter under somewhat similar circumstances aiming to recover from losses in the respective previous matches.

While Al Arabi lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan’s FC AGMK in the qualifying play-off for the group stage of 2023-2024 AFC Champions League, Umm Salal are smarting from the 1-3 defeat they suffered in the first round of league championship at the hands of Al Sadd.

Meetings between Al Arabi and Umm Salal are always characterized by excitement. Al Arabi coach Younes Ali, however, will seek for his side to make a big return against Umm Salal and also achieve their first win in the league following their opening-round 1-1 draw with Al Shamal.

Younes relies on his ace players Yousef Msakni, Omar Al Somah and Rafinha Alcantara, along with Helal Mohammed, Ahmed Fathi and goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail.

Umm Salal’s French coach Patrice Carteron will aim to gain from Al Arabi’s low ebb and push his team to get the advantage and a first win of the new season. The coach would rely on the services of Naim Laidouni, Victor Lekhal, Andy Delort, Oussama Tannane, Marouane Louadni and Adel Alawi.

Al Arabi and Umm Salal will battle fiercely in hunt of the valuable three points and the match is expected to provide thrills, given both sides’ attacking abilities.