Al Markhiya will lock horns with Umm Salal in a strong and decisive final Week 22 match of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi Club on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The kick-off is at 6.30pm.

Both teams go into the clash seeking a win. Al Markhiya so far have a points tally of 17 points, advancing into the 11th position in the rankings from being 12th, also gaining from Muaither’s Week 21 loss – while Umm Salal are in sixth place with 27 points.

The match against Umm Salal could be a turning point in Al Markhiya’s journey in the league as they look to escape the relegation zone after having registered an important and crucial 2-1 win over Al Arabi in their previous round. A win and another three valuable points could add to the fortunes of Al Markhiya.

As for Umm Salal, who have also played strong matches and achieved two victories in their last two rounds over Al Arabi and Al Duhail, The Orange Fortress enter the match against Al Markhiya without much pressure and will surely strive to win and aim to finish the competition with the best possible result.

Given the scenario, the battle is expected to be fierce for the three points with either side considering its position and calculations in the standings.

Coaches, Majdid Bougherra of Al Markhiya and Patrice Carteron of Umm Salal, would therefore push their players for a winning finish thereby adding to the bite of the contest.

It may be noted that while the bottom-placed (12th position) team in the league championship faces relegation to the Second Division, the 11th-placed side has to play the relegation Play-Off against .