Al-Qadsiya is looking for its second victory.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 19: The fifth round of the Zain Premier League kicks off today with the Farwaniya Derby match between Al-Tadamon and Al-Nasr at Nasser Al-Osaimi Stadium, scheduled for 7:35 pm.

Al-Tadamon seeks a second consecutive win to distance itself from the danger zone, while Al-Nasr aims for its second victory, hoping to recover from a crushing 5-1 defeat to Kuwait Club in the previous round. The action continues tomorrow with two key fixtures. Al-Salmiya faces Al-Fahaheel at Thamer Stadium at 6:10 pm, followed by a highly anticipated clash between Kazma and Al-Qadsiya at Al-Sadaka Wal-Salam Stadium at 8:25 pm. The round will conclude on Sunday, with Khaitan hosting Al-Arabi and Al-Yarmouk taking on Kuwait Club at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium.

Currently, Kuwait Club leads the standings with 12 points, edging out Al-Arabi on goal difference. Al-Salmiya holds third with 9 points, followed by Al-Fahaheel in fourth with 6 points. Al-Tadamon and Khaitan share fifth place with 4 points each, while Al-Qadsiya, Kazma, and Al-Nasr are tied at 3 points apiece. Al-Yarmouk sits at the bottom with 2 points.

The Kazma vs. Al-Qadsiya matchup carries extra weight as both teams desperately need the three points to revive their title hopes. A loss could significantly dent their chances of remaining in contention. Both clubs have had similar struggles this season, with just one win and three losses each. Al-Qadsiya’s new coach, Montenegrin Zeljko Petrovic, failed to make a strong debut, losing 1-0 to Al-Salmiya last round. Similarly, Kazma’s Tunisian coach, Lassad Chaabi, couldn’t secure a win in his first game, with the team suffering a 2-1 defeat to Al-Tadamon.

In the other match, Al-Salmiya, buoyed by its victory over Al-Qadsiya, will aim for their third consecutive win to stay in contention for the top spot. Meanwhile, Al-Fahaheel will look to bounce back from a heavy 3-0 loss to Al-Arabi.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff