KHENCHELA, Algeria (Interstat) — USM Khenchela hosts USM Alger on Monday, May 25, 2026, in an Algerian Ligue 1 matchup that carries playoff implications for both sides. Kickoff at the Stade Municipal de Khenchela is set for 8 p.m. local time.

The teams played to a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting Sept. 13, 2025, in Algiers. Interstat’s game simulator projects another 1-1 stalemate.

USM Alger enters on a three-match unbeaten streak after a 4-2 win Friday over Paradou AC. That victory followed a 1-1 draw at ES Mostaganem on May 12 and a 1-0 win against Egyptian side Zamalek SC in a friendly on May 9. The stretch marks a turnaround after a difficult period that saw the club lose four of seven matches from mid-February through early April, including defeats to ASO Chlef (2-1), MC Alger (1-0), Kabylie (1-0) and AS Maniema Union (2-1). The team’s overall form has been inconsistent, with nine wins, six draws and six losses across all competitions this season.

USM Khenchela, meanwhile, comes off a 2-2 draw Tuesday at CS Constantine. That result ended a two-match winning run that included a 2-1 home victory over MC El Bayadh on May 8 and a 3-0 thrashing of ES Mostaganem on April 10. Before that, the side suffered a 3-1 loss at home to CR Belouizdad on May 4. Khenchela has shown resilience at home, where they have taken points in five of their last six league matches, but defensive lapses have plagued them on the road. The team’s overall record includes eight wins, five draws and 10 losses.

The head-to-head history favors USM Alger, who have not lost to Khenchela in their last four meetings. Khenchela’s last win over Alger came in 2024.

USM Alger will face MB Rouisset on May 30 in league play, then travel to US Boukhadara on June 3 for a Coupe Nationale match.

Both teams are battling for position in the middle of the Ligue 1 table, with European qualification and relegation still mathematically possible depending on remaining fixtures. Monday’s match could prove decisive in shaping the final standings.