Al Gharafa and Al Arabi are scheduled to compete in a highly-anticipated match in Week 8 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium of Al Sadd club. The kick-off is at 7.30pm.

The match is of great importance for both teams, given their positions in the table and the desire for this confrontation.

Al Gharafa occupy second place in the standings with 16 points, same as Al Sadd, who have played one less match after their match against Al Arabi in the sixth week was postponed.

The Cheetahs aim to sustain their momentum and secure a flawless record to maintain their pursuit of the top spot. This objective comes on the heels of their recent 4-3 triumph over Al Rayyan.

Portuguese coach Pedro Martins will be relying on the superb form of Algerian star Yacine Brahimi, the league's top scorer, in order to score against Jassim Al Hail to achieve victory and collect the three points.

Al Gharafa have many attacking players in their ranks, such as Farid Bulaya, Yohan Boli, Ahmed Al Janahi and Ferjani Sassi, who has been in brilliant form for them and represents a main pillar in the midfield.

As for Al Arabi, after losing to Al Ahli in the last round, their second loss of the season, they are on six points and in the eighth place and are in a difficult position and will work with all their might to get a good result to advance in the standings.

Coach Younes Ali will face a very strong test against Al Gharafa, who are experiencing their best form at the moment, in order to restore balance and correct the situation in the ranking table.

Despite the fluctuation of Al Arabi’s results, they have top-quality players who are able to provide the best and restore the distinguished level that the team presented in some matches and also last season, the most prominent of whom are: Omar Al Somah, Yousef Msakni, Marco Verratti, Ahmed Fathi and Abdullah Marafi, in addition to the distinguished goalkeeper Al Hail.

Matches between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi have consistently drawn a significant number of spectators due to the large fan bases of both teams. The outcome of this match holds great significance for both teams and their supporters, intensifying the already heated rivalry. The excitement is expected to be palpable, not only on the field but also between coaches Pedro Martins and Younes Ali.