Zamalek have the upper hand going into Thursday's Cairo derby but this is hardly an encouraging sign for their demanding supporters, who often see their side stumble against Ahly even when they enjoy the favourites tag. The White Knights have not defeated their bitter rivals in all competitions since beating a second-string Ahly side 2-0 in 2007 in the Egyptian Premier League, prompting sarcastic talks of a "mental block" that is haunting them. They lost 10 matches and drew eight in their last 18 encounters against Ahly, who are seeking to equal their own record of winning the Premier League nine times in a row. Among those defeats was a cruel one a few months ago when Zamalek looked on the verge of laying their derby ghosts to rest after going ahead in a penalty shootout by two kicks only to lose in an astonishing manner, mounting their derby woes. Zamalek's heavy spending in the close season looked to have paid dividends though, with the club enjoying a superb run of form despite the shock departure of Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco, winning 12 out of 17 games to top the league, a competition they had not won in a decade. They looked solid in defence under Pacheco but became bolder in attack following his resignation, with caretaker boss Mohamed Salah, who was the Portuguese's assistant, steering them to three wins in as many games. "My players are fully ready for the game and they are well aware of its importance. I can see a determination to win in their eyes," said Salah, under whom talented playmaker Ayman Hefni has started to blossom after playing a bit-part role under Pacheco. "I asked my players to try and score an early goal that would calm their nerves." In a conciliatory move after tensions had boiled over for several months, Zamalek's outspoken chairman allowed the club's die-hard supporters (Ultras White Knights) to attend the team's latest training sessions before the derby. The success-hungry supporters, who had many bust-ups with Mansour and were accused of assaulting him, feverishly chanted supportive slogans as they sought to motivate a squad packed with promising players. Zamalek are boosted by the return of versatile defender and fan favourite Mohamed Koffi, who returned to Cairo in time for the derby after Burkina Faso were eliminated from the African Cup of Nations group stage. They will miss striker Khaled Qamar and Nigerian midfielder Maarouf Yussuf after both were suspended for a month after signing two contracts with Zamalek and Ahly last summer. Left-back Ahmed Samir is also out. Relaxed Ahly Ahly seem relaxed despite a stuttering first half of the season that saw them lose twice and draw five times in their first 16 matches, a poor record by their own high standards. Spanish coach Juan Carlos Garrido led Ahly to the Super Cup and African Confederation Cup triumphs but he must deliver in the league to bridge an eight-point gap with Zamalek, who played a game more. "We are under no pressure whatsoever. On the contrary, I believe that our opponents are the ones who are under pressure because they bought a wholly new team, so they have no option but to beat us," said football director and former central defender Wael Gomaa, who was a key member of a hugely successful Ahly side during the past decade. "Whoever wins will not lose the league and whoever loses will not lose the league. There is a still long way to go." Ahly will have to do without some regular starters though, including goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy who flew to London to take care of his ill toddler. Promising left-back Hussein El-Sayed is also unavailable as he serves the second of a four-match suspension while skipper Hossam Ghaly was ruled out because of injury. The match will take part at the army-owned Air Defence Stadium in Cairo behind closed doors due to security concerns. Only dozens of club officials and members will be allowed to attend the anticipated clash. It will be refereed by French official Tony Chapron after Ahly had complained lately that some refereeing decisions had cost them many points. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/121613.aspx
