A file photo of players in action.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 4: The Zain Premier League resumes today following a short break for the Super Cup, won by Qadsia. The 13th round kicks off with two exciting matches: Al-Shabab hosts neighbor Al-Fahaheel at 4:40 p.m., while Al-Nasr travels to face Al-Tadamon at 7:05 p.m.

Upcoming fixtures include a crowd-pulling clash between Qadsia and Kuwait Club in Hawally tomorrow, Al-Arabi vs. Kazma the following day, and Al-Salmiya vs. Al-Jahra, also tomorrow.

Fifth-placed Al-Fahaheel (17 points) enters the game with multiple objectives: to challenge Kazma and Qadsia for third place and to avenge their 1-0 first-leg defeat to Al-Shabab. A loss could see Al-Fahaheel drop in the standings, especially with Al-Salmiya, equal on points, set to face Al-Jahra, eighth in the table.

Meanwhile, seventh-placed Al-Shabab (14 points) seeks a win to overcome recent setbacks. The team drew 1-1 with Al-Nasr last round and suffered heavy defeats to Qadsia (1-4) and Al-Arabi (0-5) in rounds 10 and 11.

The Al-Nasr vs. Al-Tadamon clash is crucial for both teams, who are near the bottom with 6 points for Al-Nasr and 5 points for Al-Tadamon.

Al-Nasr, ninth, has shown improved form, securing draws against Qadsia (0-0), Al-Salmiya (1-1), and Al-Shabab (1-1). It aims to take revenge against Al-Tadamon, who defeated them 1-0 in the first round.

For tenth-placed Al-Tadamon, a win is essential to avoid the relegation zone and maintain hope of escaping the league’s “bottom-four” fight. Despite a postponed match against Kazma, it understands the importance of a victory today.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff