Al Shamal and Umm Salal will meet in Week 13 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Al Khor Stadium on Friday, January 24, 2025. The kick-off is at 4.30pm.

Both teams approach the match with the objective of returning to winning ways following their recent defeats. Al Shamal faced a narrow loss to Al Sadd, conceding a lone goal, while Umm Salal experienced a more significant setback against Al Rayyan, losing 2-6. This encounter presents a crucial opportunity for each side to restore their equilibrium and secure a favorable outcome, which would significantly enhance morale and assist in improving their standings.

Currently, Al Shamal occupy the sixth position with 16 points, whereas Umm Salal are in eighth place with 14 points.

The two-point gap between the teams underscores the match’s significance as a victory would enable either team to surpass the other in the league table.

Al Shamal have demonstrated commendable performance this season under the guidance of coach David Racero, who aims to steer the team back to winning form. The squad boasts several key players, including Baghdad Bounedjah, Omid Ebrahimi, Naim Sliti, Younes Belhanda, Mohammed Omar and Younes El Hannach.

Conversely, Umm Salal coach Pablo Machin is focused on rectifying his team’s trajectory following the defeat to Al Rayyan. He understands the match’s critical nature, particularly as the team’s current standing places them perilously close to the relegation zone. Securing a win is vital for improving their position. Machin will depend on several influential players, such as Marouane Louadni, Osama Tanan, Kenji Gorre and Antonio Mance.