Zamalek will be looking to overcome what could prove yet their toughest Egyptian Premier League challenge when they visit Ismaily in a mouth-watering clash on Thursday. Title-hopefuls Zamalek will be eyeing their sixth league win in a row after brushing aside a resilient Masry side 1-0 last week. And a victory over Ismaily could see second-placed Zamalek overtake ENPPI, who defeated Talae El-Geish 3-0 last week to go two points clear, at the summit. It will not be a doddle for the White Knights though, as they should brace themselves for a much more difficult test at Ismailia Stadium, where they have failed to beat their bitter rivals since 2006. Moreover, Zamalek will have to cope without key man Mohamed Koffi, an instrumental figure in their rearguard, after he saw red in the victory over Masry. After catching striker Ahmed Raouf in the face in an off-the-ball incident, the referee did not hesitate to dismiss the Burkina Faso defender – who will now serve a three-match suspension. The Cairo giants could well bear the brunt of the ex-Petrojet man's impetuous conduct, with in-form Ismaily forward John Antwi – the league joint top-scorer with nine goals – expected to cause all sorts of problems to the visitors' defense. The Ghanaian striker has been impressive for the Dervishes so far this season, with his blistering pace and ability to sprint in behind the opposition's defenses causing menace to opponents. Given that Zamalek boast Koffi as the only quick and reliable center-back at their disposal, with his defense partner Aly Gabr lacking speed, Antwi could be a major trouble for their backline. They could get around the problem by using a low-back line, to deny Antwi spaces behind to run into, but that would mean Zamalek will be conceding space in front instead, and would not be able to play their attacking game. Even ex-Ittihad El-Shorta defender Ahmed Dwidar, who is expected to fill the void left by Koffi, is not as fast as his suspended teammate. But it's not only Antwi whom the Dervishes will be relying on as an a potent attacking weapon, with Zamalek still needing to find a way to stop midfield duo Hosni Abd Rabou and Amr El-Sulaya from feeding the deadly striker. The Egyptian international duo, especially El-Sulaya, has been adept at providing dangerous through balls through the middle – as Zamalek's holding midfielders should be wary of the threat posed by their counterparts at the center of the park. However, Abd-Rabou, who scored a goal in last week's convincing 3-0 win over Ragaa, may not take part in the league clash due to family reasons. Zamalek should also not be deceived by the unfamiliar position of Ismaily in 13thplace after FIFA deducted six points from the coastal side following a wage row with a former player. On the other side, Zamalek will continue to miss Egypt right-back Hazem Emam due to injury for the third game running. The absence of Emam deprives his side of an important attacking outlet on the right, as Omar Gaber – who is still searching for his lost form – expected to deputize. And should they manage to keep Ismaily's dangerous men at bay, Zamalek will be hoping combative striker Bassem Morsi will be able to find the net for the third straight game. Attacking midfielder Ayman Hefny will also shoulder the responsibility of providing the team's frontline with service, with teammate Moemen Zakareya needing to be more influential. Previous meetings Zamalek failed to overcome Ismaily twice last season, with both matches ending 1-0, as the Cairo side will be hoping things would go into their favor this time around. During their last 11 games, Ismaily emerged triumphant seven times against three for Zamalek. Their last five meetings did not witness any draws. Both teams met 48 times in Ismailia, with the hosts winning 15 times against 14 for their opponents. (For more sports news andupdates, follow AhramOnlineSports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/117131.aspx
