Al Markhiya face Qatar SC in Week 18 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi club on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The kick-off is at 9.30pm.

The match is very crucial for both teams given their position in the standings, with Al Markhiya being in 12th and last place with eight points and Qatar SC 10th with 13 points.

Both sides are going through the same circumstances, with their positive results declining. Al Markhiya lost in the last round 0-2 to Al Shamal, after beating Al Wakrah in Week 15 followed by a creditable draw against Al Duhail in Week 16.

Al Markhiya would therefore want to find their way back to the winning form especially after the changes they made during the winter transfer window bringing in distinguished players such as Bashar Resan from Qatar SC, Ruben Semedo from Al Duhail among others.

Meanwhile, Qatar SC coach Helio Sousa would hope for his team to emerge from the cycle of successive losses at the expense of Al Markhiya. Qatar SC suffered a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Al Ahli in the previous round.

The desire and ambitions of each of these teams would be to rise in the rankings and to wriggle out of the relegation zone. Their contest is expected to be strong, exciting and competitive.