Tribune News Network
Doha
With the 2023-2024 season of the Expo Stars League now moving towards its business end, the Week 19 matches will begin with Al Shamal facing Al Ahli at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday at 9.30pm.
Both teams are seeking to achieve victory and obtain the three valuable points. Al Ahli are currently in seventh place in the standings with 20 points, gained from six wins, two draws and nine losses, while Al Shamal are two places behind in the ninth place with 18 points with four wins, six draws and seven defeats.
The match is of great importance in view of the rankings of the two teams, as Al Shamal aim to steer clear of the danger zone and to advance in the rankings table, as only three points separate them from the fifth-placed Al Arabi.
Al Ahli coach Pedro Miguel said, “We will play all the remaining matches of the league as final matches that we must win in order to advance in the standings.
“Although a large number of players were suffering from injuries and are not that ready, we will have the spirit of one team and play with a high spirit in order to score points. The next stage requires victories to make our fans happy.”
Al Ahli aim to continue their strong performances as they have not lost in the last three matches.
Meanwhile, Al Shamal are looking to regain the winning touch after their 1-3 loss to Al Duhail in the previous round.
Speaking on the eve of the match, coach Asbhagi said, “A strong match awaits us against a good team that includes players with good potential, but that does not prevent us from looking forward to winning and getting three points in order to advance another step away from the danger zone in the league table. We will play to win and get three points from the first minute of the match.”
Qatar SC to face
Al Wakrah
Qatar SC will face Al Wakrah in their Week 19 clash at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar Sports Club on Saturday at 9.30pm.
Al Wakrah are currently in third place in the rankings with 34 points and will aim for a win and keep up their chase for the top. Al Gharafa are second in standings with 37 points while Al Sadd are the leaders with 40 points.
Qatar SC, who are in 10th place with 16 points are coming from a positive result over Al Markhiya, a victory that brought the team back to winning ways after stumbling in a number of previous rounds.
Al Sadd challenge
for Al Markhiya
On Sunday, Al Markhiya will be up against Al Sadd at the Grand Hamad Stadium.
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.
ESL Week 19 Fixtures
Friday (9.30pm)
Al Shamal vs Al Ahli at Al Bayt Stadium; Umm Salal vs Muaither at Thani Bin Jassim
Saturday (9.30pm)
Qatar SC vs Al Wakrah at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium; Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa at Al Thumama Stadium
Sunday (9.30pm)
Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; Al Markhiya vs Al Sadd at Grand Hamad Stadium.
