Al Sadd and Al Gharafa will face off in the opening match in Week 5 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday, September 28. The kick-off is at 6pm.

Both teams are seeking to achieve victory and collect maximum points in this encounter, which is expected to witness great excitement from both sides.

Al Sadd are currently third in the standings with 10 points from three wins and one draw with Al Wakrah in the third week. Al Gharafa also have 10 points and are in second place, having scored more goals (13) as opposed to Al Sadd’s 10, with their goal difference being the same at +6.

The match represents an opportunity for both teams, as Al Sadd seek to continue their winning momentum as they bid to close the gap with table-toppers Al Rayyan, who have won all four matches and have the maximum 12 points.

Al Gharafa will also work to do their best against Al Sadd, who are currently motivated, in order to obtain points in the match and maintain their second place.

Matches between the two teams have always witnessed the peak of competition and excitement, and all factors indicate a keenly-contested game, making the prediction of winners difficult.

Al Sadd rely on their prominent star players, including Akram Afif, Hassan Al Haydous, Mateus Uribe and Boualem Khoukhi. They are waiting for the duo of Baghdad Bounedjah and Guilherme Torres to join them after recovering from injury.

Al Gharafa will be approaching the match with great confidence after their remarkable victory over defending champions Al Duhail in Week 4.

Leading their charge is the league’s top scorer Yacine Brahimi, who has netted seven times so far, and other star players, including Farid Boulaya, Tunisian Ferjani Sassi, Ahmed Alaaeldin and Ivorian Yohan Boli.