A file photo of players in action.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 16: The Zain Premier League returns today after a break of more than two weeks due to the international window, kicking off the fifth round with a single match: Al-Jahra welcomes Al-Tadamon to Mubarak Al-Ayar Stadium at 5:40 PM.

The round continues on Saturday with two matches: Al-Fahaheel takes on Al-Nasr at Al-Sadaqa & Al-Salam Stadium at 5:40 PM, followed by Qadsia hosting Kazma at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium at 7:55 PM. The round will conclude on Sunday with Al-Shabab facing Kuwait Club, and Al-Arabi playing Al-Salmiya.

Kuwait Club tops the league with 10 points, just ahead of second-placed Al-Salmiya. Al-Arabi sits third with 8 points, while Qadsia occupies fourth with 7 points, level on goal difference with Al-Shabab. Kazma is sixth with 6 points, Al-Tadamon seventh with 4 points, Al-Fahaheel eighth with 3 points, Al-Jahra ninth with 1 point, and Al-Nasr remains winless at the bottom.

Friday’s clash between Al-Jahra and Al-Tadamon promises an even contest. Al-Tadamon holds a slight edge with one win and one draw from four matches, aiming for a second victory to move into the “safe zone,” while Al-Jahra searches for its first points of the season.

Similarly, the Al-Fahaheel vs. Al-Nasr match looks balanced, despite Al-Nasr’s ongoing struggles and zero points so far. The pressure is on Tunisian coach Jamal Belkacem, while Al-Fahaheel hopes to snap a three-match losing streak and record its second win.

The spotlight, however, will be on the Qadsia vs. Kazma matchup. Both teams are close in the standings, and recent form suggests a tightly contested game.

Qadsia has endured a difficult spell, losing 1-2 to Kuwait in the fourth round and 1-3 to Zakho in the Gulf Champions’ League group stage opener. A defeat could see the team slip further in the table, which is particularly concerning as it prepares to host UAE’s Al-Ain in the Gulf Champions League next Wednesday.

Kazma, meanwhile, seeks its second league win while maintaining an unbeaten streak. The team is determined to continue its title chase, aiming to reclaim a championship that has eluded them for years.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff