Zamalek will be hoping to preserve their one-point lead at the top of the Egyptian Premier League before the anticipated Cairo derby when they host Smouha on Sunday. The defending champions have won four straight league games since the return of coach Mido for a second spell following the sacking of Brazilian Marcos Paqueta and will be keen to continue the winning run before meeting arch rivals Ahly on 9 February. Ahly moved back to the top with a narrow 1-0 win at Ittihad of Alexandria on Saturday but Zamalek will restore their one-point advantage if they overcome Smouha, who caused a huge upset by crushing Ahly 3-0 earlier this season. Although Zamalek have not dropped any points under Mido so far, the rookie coach was still criticised by the team's demanding supporters, who are unhappy that the team are not producing any entertaining football despite the embarrassment of riches upfront. Three out of the four wins recorded under Mido came with a slender 1-0 scoreline, which included two stunning strikes against ENPPI and Masry. Winger Shikabala, back to his boyhood club after a disastrous spell at Portugal's Sporting, scored the winner against ENPPI with a sumptuous volley from an impossible angle on 9 January and prodigy Mostafa Fathi downed Masry with a sublime scissors kick on Wednesday. "Just like you, I'm not pleased with our displays but we managed to instil a winning spirit into the team and the importance of getting all three points even when we are not playing well," Mido said in a message to Zamalek's fans on Twitter. "We promise the fans that our displays will get better but we are in need of your support." Smouha, who lie sixth with 23 points from 15 games, are likely to pose a stern test to Zamalek, who rely on the individual attributes of their deep-lying forwards to unlock tight defences. Zamalek have no injury worries ahead of the match and new arrival Emmanuel Mayuka, a 25-year-old Zambian striker who joined on a free transfer, could make his debut against Smouha at Cairo's Petrosport Stadium. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/185730.aspx
