Kalba and Al Bataeh are set to meet on Saturday at Kalba Stadium in an encounter that has grown into one of the league’s most competitive fixtures. Kalba enter the match with 11 points in seventh place, while Al Bataeh sit 12th with three points.
The two sides have faced each other six times in the ADNOC Pro League, with Al Bataeh winning twice, Kalba once, and three matches ending in draws. Their results show how tight and evenly balanced the fixture has become.
Kalba arrive with the same number of points they had after seven rounds last season, but their attacking form has dipped significantly, scoring seven goals compared to 14 at this stage a year ago.
Their home record is also a concern: four straight league matches at home without a win, and three consecutive home matches without scoring. A fourth scoreless home game would mark an unprecedented streak for the club.
Al Bataeh come into the match with their lowest tally after seven rounds since joining the Pro League, scoring only five goals and securing just three points.
They rank last in successful dribbles (29), while Kalba players have been dribbled past the most (60), adding another tactical layer to the encounter.
As a derby-flavored clash, both teams bring significant local rivalry experience. Kalba have played 39 derby matches (10 wins, 10 draws, 19 losses), while Al Bataeh have played 21 (7 wins, 8 draws, 7 losses). Both teams have scored six goals each in their previous league meetings—another sign of how narrow the margins are between them.
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