Al Markhiya face Al Rayyan in Week 17 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at Al Duhail Stadium on Saturday. The kick-off is at 17:00.

The match is very important for the two teams. While a win will push Al Markhiya ahead in the rankings, a positive result for Al Rayyan will help them move away from the danger zone of relegation.

Al Rayyan also have no alternative, but to achieve victory in view of their 10th place with 13 points, equal with Umm Salal (11th on goal difference).

Al Markhiya are eighth with 18 points and they also want to strengthen their position.

Therefore, coaches Abdullah Mubarak of Al Markhiya and Nicholas Cordova of Al Rayyan will each try to prepare their team and put the best available squad for the match to win the valuable three points.

Al Rayyan will be returning from a 1-1 draw against Al Wakrah, while Al Markhiya scored a 3-1 victory over Al Sailiya in their postponed matches from Week 10.

Based on the performance and results, Al Rayyan’s position is far more difficult than that of Al Markhiya because they have to desperately move out of the danger zone.

Al Markhiya, who have achieved some positive results, will strive to strengthen their position and progress further in light of the strong performance that characterizes the team.

Al Markhiya had scored a 2-1 win over Al Rayyan in the first leg.