Players in action.

KUWAIT CITY, April 3: Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsiya are set for two crucial matchups in the Zain Premier League championship group, with both teams facing tough challenges. Al-Qadsiya will take on Al-Salmiya at 6:35 pm today at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, while Al-Arabi will meet Al-Fahaheel at the same time on Saturday at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium.

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.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff