Al Arabi face Al Markhiya in Week 21 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The kick-off is at 6.30pm.

Al Markhiya, who beat Al Gharafa 3-2 in their postponed Week 13 match, would look to put it across Al Arabi too in their bid to stay alive in the league championship for the next season. Al Markhiya are currently bottom-placed in the standings with 14 points, equal with Muaither who are in 11th place.

Al Arabi are sixth with 26 points. Having moved away from the top four, The Dream Team would be looking to end the season in fifth place which is now held by Al Duhail following their win over Muaither in the last round and due to Al Arabi’s 1-2 loss to Umm Salal. The result saw Al Duhail raise their tally to 28 points, two ahead of Al Arabi.

Al Arabi coach Younes Ali would want his team to return to winning ways, which had recently seen them lift the Qatar-UAE Super Cup by beating Sharjah.

Al Arabi have an attacking lineup, represented by the distinguished duo of Yousef Msakni and Omar Al Somah among others. They would aim to score a win and also look to repeat their show when Al Arabi had defeated Al Markhiya 4-0 in the first leg.

Al Markhiya, however, would try to put out their best against Al Arabi as they are desperate to wriggle out of the relegation zone.

Guided by Algerian coach Madjid Bougherra, Al Markhiya rely on their distinguished professionals Bashar Resan, Driss Fettouhi, Yusupha Njie (who scored the winning goal against Al Gharafa), and Ruben Semedo.

The scenario points to a competitive and exciting battle between the sides irrespective of their standings.