Algiers – The sixth round of the Ligue 1 Mobilis is set to deliver exciting matches across Algeria from Thursday to Saturday, with a top-of-the-table showdown between league leaders MC Alger and third-placed Olympique Akbou. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly anticipating the much-awaited eastern derby between CS Constantine and ES Sétif, promising to be a high-stakes encounter with unpredictable outcomes.
After a solid start to the season, MC Alger (1st, 11 points) aims to consolidate its lead by securing three points against newly promoted Olympique Akbou (3rd, 10 points), who managed a goalless draw against ASO Chlef in the previous round.
Coach Moez Bouakkaz’s side from Akbou has lost only once this season (2-1 to JS Kabylie) and will look to extend its impressive form with a positive result at the iconic July 5 Stadium. However, the task won’t be easy against an MC Alger team riding the momentum of two consecutive wins and determined to maintain its winning streak on home turf.
On a parallel note, USM Alger—level at the top with MC Alger on 11 points—will head to Chlef after a morale-boosting 1-0 away victory against MC Saïda. They’ll face ASO Chlef (11th, 4 points), a team eager to bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 home draw with USM Khenchela earlier this week. ASO Chlef is still searching for its first win of the season to escape the relegation zone.
Eastern Derby: CS Constantine vs ES Sétif
All eyes will be on the eastern derby between CS Constantine (4th, 9 points) and ES Sétif (5th, 8 points), two teams with strong ambitions. CS Constantine remains undefeated this season and hopes to continue its steady climb in the standings, staying within reach of the top three. Their recent victory away to JS Kabylie (3-2) demonstrated their growing confidence and form.
For ES Sétif, the derby presents an opportunity to build on their narrow 1-0 win against MC Saïda. However, facing Constantine on the road will be a challenge, especially since their opponents will play their last match behind closed doors, serving the final game of a stadium ban. The support of their passionate fans will return in the eighth round when they face Olympique Akbou.
Challenging Tasks for JS Kabylie and CR Belouizdad
JS Kabylie (8th, 6 points) finds itself in a tough position after two consecutive losses, making their upcoming match against USM Khenchela (also 8th, 6 points) a must-win. With a shaky start to the season, Kabylie’s “Canaries” need a victory to restore confidence and align with the club’s ambitions. Head coach Abdelhak Benchikha is under pressure, and the outcome of this game could determine his future with the team.
CR Belouizdad, last season’s runners-up, have also struggled, finding themselves in an unusual position (11th, 4 points) after a poor start to the campaign. They face a difficult away match against NC Magra (16th, 3 points), in what is effectively a six-pointer. Newly appointed coach Abdelkader Amrani will be hoping to secure Belouizdad’s first win of the season, following a 0-0 draw in his debut against USM Alger.
Other Key Fixtures: US Biskra, JS Saoura, and Paradou AC
US Biskra (4th, 8 points), fresh off a 2-1 derby victory over JS Saoura, will travel to MC Saïda (11th, 4 points), hoping to continue their good form. Saïda, however, will be desperate to avoid further setbacks after consecutive defeats, as another loss could have serious repercussions for their season.
In Béchar, JS Saoura (11th, 4 points) will host MC El Bayadh (8th, 6 points), a team that has managed two consecutive wins, lifting them out of the relegation zone. The Béchar side will need to be cautious, as their visitors have shown resilience in recent matches.
Lastly, Paradou AC (11th, 4 points) is struggling after three consecutive losses and will seek to bounce back when they host MC Oran (7th, 7 points). MC Oran, revitalized under new coach Eric Sekou Chel, recently secured a 2-0 win over JS Kabylie and will aim to continue their positive momentum.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Ligue 1 Mobilis: Top matches and intense eastern derby
