Expo Stars League: Second Place, Relegation to Be Decided in Final Round -1-

Al Markhiya will lock horns with Umm Salal in a strong and decisive final Week 22 match of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi Club on Sunday. Both teams go into the clash seeking a win. Al Markhiya so far have a points tally of 17 points, advancing into the 11th position in the rankings from being 12th, also gaining from Muaithers Week 21 loss while Umm Salal are in sixth place with 27 points. The match against Umm Salal could be a turning point in Al Markhiyas journey in the league as they look to escape the relegation zone after having registered an important and crucial 2-1 win over Al Arabi in their previous round. A win and another three valuable points could add to the fortunes of Al Markhiya. As for Umm Salal, who have also played strong matches and achieved two victories in their last two rounds over Al Arabi and Al Duhail, The Orange Fortress enter the match against Al Markhiya without much pressure and will surely strive to win and aim to finish the comp etition with the best possible result. Given the scenario, the battle is expected to be fierce for the three points with either side considering its position and calculations in the standings. It may be noted that while the bottom-placed (12th position) team in the league championship faces relegation to the Second Division, the 11th-placed side has to play the relegation Play-Off against. Moreover, Qatar SC will battle Al Duhail in Week 22 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar SC on Sunday. Both teams would go into the match looking for a winning finish. While Qatar SC had steered themselves clear of the danger zone, Al Duhail are in the middle of rankings. Both teams would now want to finish the league championship in the best possible position. Al Duhail have a tally of 28 points and are in fifth place in the rankings. Qatar SC, with 22 points, are in eighth place. Al Duhail will seek to regain victories after losing their previous-round match 0-2 to Umm S alal. The Red Knights will also work to end the league championship in their current position with Umm Salal now in the chase (placed sixth with 27 points) along with Al Arabi (seventh with 26 points). As for Qatar SC, they are looking to end the season on a strong note especially after an exciting 5-3 win over Muaither in the previous round, which has taken their tally to 22 points. Additionally, Muaither will face a tough challenge against Al Arabi in Week 22 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. This game holds significant importance for Muaither as they strive to avoid direct relegation. They are aiming for a victory, hoping that their competitors Al Markhiya will face difficulties. The battle between the two teams to evade relegation to the Second Division is intense. The team finishing 12th and last in the Expo Stars League will face direct relegation. Meanwhile, the 11th-placed team will compete in a Play-Off match against Second Division runners-up Al Shaha niya. Muaither currently hold the 12th and final spot with 14 points, trailing Al Markhiya by three points, who are in 11th place with 17 points, ahead of the crucial final round. On the other hand, Al Arabi sit in seventh place with 26 points, just two points behind fifth-placed Al Duhail. They are eager to secure victories and await the outcome of the matches between Al Duhail and Qatar SC as well as Al Markhiya and Umm Salal to finish the season in favourable positions. Al Duhail hold fifth place with 28 points, while Umm Salal are in sixth place with 27 points. In Week 21, Al Arabi suffered a 1-2 defeat against Al Markhiya, despite taking the lead with a penalty goal by Omar Al Somah. Also, Al Ahli face Al Wakrah in Week 22 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium of Al Gharafa club on Sunday. Al Ahli currently hold the 10th position with 20 points, leading Al Markhiya by three points, who are in 11th place following their recent 2-1 victory against Al Arabi. Al Ahl i will aim for a positive outcome to steer clear of the Play-Off match scenario. In Week 21, Al Ahli suffered a 1-4 loss to Al Rayyan. On the other hand, Al Wakrah, under the guidance of coach Ali Rahma Al Marri, are eager to bounce back from their 2-4 loss to Al Gharafa in Week 21. Al Wakrah currently occupy the fourth spot with 38 points, trailing the second and third-placed Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa respectively by six points. Furthermore, Al Wakrah are determined to secure a win against The Brigadiers before their participation in the Qatar Cup 2024 on May 1, where they will face Al Sadd in the semifinals, aiming to clinch a championship title and delight their fans. Source: Qatar News Agency