Al Markhiya will be up against Al Gharafa in the postponed Week 13 match of 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi club on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The kick-off is at 8.30pm.

The clash is crucial for both sides, and will carry a lot of excitement and intense competition. Both teams eagerly seek a win to garner the three valuable points to strengthen their rankings.

Al Markhiya are bottom-placed (12th) with 11 points (three wins, two draws and 14 losses). They succeeded in registering their third win of the season in the previous round (Week 20) against Al Ahli 4-1 and are eager to wriggle out of the relegation spot.

In contrast, Al Gharafa are looking to make it to the top, currently being in second place with 41 points (from 12 wins, five draws and two defeats). The Cheetahs were held to a 1-1 draw by Umm Salal in the last round.

Al Gharafa had won the first-leg match against Al Markhiya 2-0 and would seek an encore.

On the sidelines, the contest will also be a battle between rival coaches – Madjid Bougherra of Al Markhiya and Pedro Martins of Al Gharafa. Both know how important a win from this game would mean.

While Al Markhiya will try to cling to their chances of staying in the Expo Stars League, Al Gharafa will aim to stay in the hunt for the title by collecting the three points.