Kazma and Qadsia players vie for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 22: Al-Arabi travels to Thamer Stadium to face Al-Salmiya at 9:30 PM today, Monday, in Round 14 of the Zain Premier League. At the same time, Qadsia will host Kazma at Al-Sadaqa wal-Salam Stadium.

The league race is heating up, with clubs vying for second place while keeping a slim chance of catching leader Kuwait Club. Al-Arabi sits second with 24 points, Qadsia is third with 22 points, Kazma has 21, and Al-Salmiya holds 20 points.

Al-Arabi aims to return to winning ways after failing to secure a victory in the last three rounds, losing to Kuwait Club and Kazma (both 0-1) and drawing with Al-Fahaheel. These results widened the gap with Kuwait Club to nine points while bringing Qadsia, Kazma, and Al-Salmiya closer in the fight for second. A defeat today could see Al-Arabi drop further in the standings, potentially falling to fifth with a third consecutive loss.

Al-Salmiya hopes to capitalize on its players’ strong morale after remaining unbeaten in the last five league matches (two wins, three draws). The team also seeks revenge after a 3-1 first-round defeat to Al-Arabi.

Meanwhile, third-placed Qadsia aims to build on its momentum following a key victory over UAE side Al-Ain last Wednesday in the Gulf Club Champions League, which secured it a semifinal spot. Since January, Qadsia has captured the Super Cup and maintained strong league form, winning 2, drawing 2, and losing 1 in the last 5 rounds. It also hopes to avenge its  1-0 first-round loss to Kazma.

Kazma, on the other hand, looks to recover from its Amir Cup exit, where Khaitan eliminated it 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the preliminary round. The team aims to climb the league table to secure a place in an international tournament.