Al Thumama Stadium will host the highly-anticipated opening match between Al Arabi and Al Sadd in Week 17 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League on Sunday, March 10, 2024. The kick-off is at 8.30pm.

Matches between Al Arabi and Al Sadd are always eagerly awaited and important for their fans regardless of their positions in the standings, as these matches between them are a traditional legacy in Qatar football, bringing together two prestigious teams.

Al Arabi are currently in fifth place in the standings with 21 points, while Al Sadd are at the top with 36 points.

The Dream Team managed to bounce back with an exciting 4-3 victory over Qatar SC in Week 16, while Al Sadd drew 2-2 against Al Gharafa.

This match could be an opportunity for Al Sadd to make up for their 0-1 loss to Al Arabi in the first leg in the sixth week.

Al Arabi rely on their outstanding stars with great technical abilities, including Italy’s Marco Verratti, Brazilian Rafinha Alcantara, Syrian star Omar Al Somah, who scored a hat-trick in their last win, Tunisian playmaker Yousef Msakni, Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Jaber and Jassim Al Hail.

On the other hand, Al Sadd count on their prominent stars such as Baghdad Bounedjah, Qatari international star Akram Afif, Gonzalo Plata, Hassan Al Haydous, Paulo Otavio, Tarek Salman and others.

The competition between the coaches will be strong and exciting, with Younes Ali at the helm of Al Arabi and Wesam Rizik in charge of Al Sadd, both aiming to achieve victory and earn three points.