MC Alger out to defend top spot in tricky Ouargla trip

MC Alger travel to Ouargla determined to extend their unbeaten run and keep hold of first place as they face a tricky away test against MB Rouissat on matchday 13 of the Ligue 1 Mobilis season.

The “Vert et Rouge” sit top with 25 points from only 9 games and still have three matches in hand, underlining their status as favourites to claim a third consecutive league crown.​

Rouissat, 11th with 13 points, have gone six matches without a win in all competitions and badly need a result to avoid slipping toward the relegation zone, which makes this encounter even more tense. A victory for MCA would not only tighten their grip on first place but also move them closer to the honorary “winter champions” title.​

The chasing pack remains close behind, with Olympique Akbou and MC Oran level on 21 points in second place. Akbou face a serious test away to CR Belouizdad, while MCO, still hurting from their Algerian Cup exit to ES Mostaganem, will try to bounce back in a delicate derby at ASO Chlef, who are fighting to escape the drop zone.​

USM Alger, currently fourth, aim to continue their impressive ten-game unbeaten streak when they host ES Ben Aknoun, coached by former USMA boss Mounir Zeghdoud, as they push to close the gap on the leading trio. Further down the table, ES Sétif host JS Kabylie in a classic clash between a resurgent ESS under “Micho” and a JSK side looking to recover after two straight defeats and a Cup elimination.​

In the battle for survival, USM Khenchela visit bottom side MC El-Bayadh, for whom every point now feels decisive, while CS Constantine welcome Paradou AC, a team on a remarkable run of six straight wins in all competitions. Finally, JS Saoura host relegation-threatened ES Mostaganem, hoping to end a five-game winless streak in the league, as ESM continue their desperate fight to stay among the elite.