Al Markhiya face Al Sadd in Week 19 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Al Arabi club’s Grand Hamad Stadium on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The kick-off is at 9.30pm.

Despite the contrast of their placings in the standings – Al Sadd being the leaders and Al Markhiya at the bottom – the contest is expected to be intense given the desire of both teams to score a win.

Al Sadd are seeking to continue their victories in order to compete strongly for the championship, while Al Markhiya are looking to make their presence felt and improve their position in rankings.

Al Markhiya are 12th and in last place with eight points after suffering 13 losses and achieving two victories and as many draws, while Al Sadd are in the top spot in the standings with 40 points, three points ahead of Al Gharafa. So far, Al Sadd have achieved 12 victories in addition to four draws and suffered only one reversal.

On the sidelines, the confrontation will be special between the coaches – Wesam Rizik of Al Sadd, who seeks to confirm the team’s superiority and increase their lead to ensure winning the league championship title, and Algerian Madjid Bougherra of Al Markhiya, who hopes to change the team’s situation, especially since in the upcoming matches they cannot afford to lose any point given their situation.

Both sides have attacking players in their ranks capable of presenting a competitive and enjoyable match for the fans. Al Markhiya would be mainly counting on their Moroccan player Driss Fettouhi, top scorer Yusupha Nije and others.

On the other hand, Al Sadd have many stars led by Akram Afif, Baghdad Bounedjah, Guillerme Torres, Boualem Khoukhi and others. Al Sadd may, however, miss their goalkeeper Saad Al Dossari who suffered a muscle injury.

Al Sadd had beaten Al Markhiya 5-0 in the first leg.