Al-Arabi aims to bounce back as Al-Qadsiya seeks momentum against Al-Salmiya
These matches carry significant weight for both teams as they prepare for key continental clashes. Al-Qadsiya is gearing up to face Iraq's Duhok next Tuesday at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in the first leg of the Gulf Champions League final, while Al-Arabi will host Turkmenistan's Arkadag next Wednesday in the AFC Challenge League semi-final.
For Al-Arabi, the clash with Al-Fahaheel presents a tough test, especially as it battles on multiple fronts. The team is chasing the domestic league title while also aiming for its first-ever Asian championship. Securing a victory is crucial, not only to regain momentum after its 1-1 draw with Al-Salmiya in the previous round but also to reclaim the top spot from Kuwait Club, who currently lead the table with 47 points—two ahead of Al-Arabi's 45. A win would also provide a much-needed morale boost ahead of their continental showdown with Arkadag.
Al-Arabi enters the match after a challenging 2-1 victory over Al-Sahel in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Cup, where it struggled to deliver its best performance.
Meanwhile, fifth-placed Al-Fahaheel (28 points) is eager to improve its league standing and build momentum ahead of its participation in the Amir's Cup and Crown Prince's Cup.
In the second match, Al-Qadisiyah (35 points) is determined to hold onto third place and secure another victory before facing Duhok. The team is coming off a hard-fought win over Al-Nasr in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Cup, with veteran star Bader Al-Mutawa netting the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to seal a quarterfinal spot.
Al-Qadsiya and Al-Salmiya have split their league meetings this season, with the "Sky Blues" winning the first encounter 1-0, while the "Yellows" claimed a 2-1 victory in the second. Currently in fourth place with 29 points, Al-Salmiya is eyeing a crucial win to close the gap with Al-Qadsiya and challenge for third place.
With so much at stake, both matches are set to be intense battles as teams fight for crucial points in the championship race.
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