All eyes are on Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala' to see how he will carry the burden of ending Zamalek's Cairo derby jinx against arch-rivals Ahly when both sides lock horns in an anticipated clash on Thursday. The super fit "wizard" is arguably in the best form of his life, his dazzling tricks and decisive goals giving Zamalek's opponents a torrid time in the Egyptian Premier League, a competition the White Knights have not won since 2004. Shikabala is the league's top scorer with nine goals which helped the success-starved Zamalek open up a six-point lead over a reeling Ahly side, who are expected to name a new coach right after the derby. “Shikabala is like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, no one can mark him,” Zamalek football director Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of head coach Hossam Hassan, said ahead of the match. “Even if more than one player marked him closely, it would not be beneficial for our opponents because Shikabala has all the attributes to elude them.” Ibrahim Hassan's confident remarks put the 24-year-old -- who is notorious for his childish temper tantrums -- under immense pressure to live up to expectations and produce the sort of the virtuoso displays which have characterized his season so far. His ability to do so will largely depend on whether he can shrug off the taunts of Ahly fans, who were enraged after Shikabala was videoed chanting offensive songs against their team following a league game last month. “I'm fully focused on doing well with my team,” the former PAOK man, whose Zamalek future remains under scrutiny, commented. “I know that the Ultras of Ahly are getting ready to insult me during the match but I will turn a blind eye to their actions.” Zamalek have not defeated Ahly since their 2-0 victory over a second-string side in 2007. Essential victory A victory for defending champions Ahly, who are chasing a seventh consecutive league title, is essential to help them keep Zamalek in sight. The Red Devils won just once in four matches under interim coach Abdel-Aziz Abdel-Shafy ‘Zizo', who will probably guide the team for the last time against Zamalek after replacing Hossam El-Badry. "I'm sure we will be in a better shape against Zamalek,” Zizo said after Ahly were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by lowly Arab Contractors. Widespread reports suggest that Portuguese coach Manuel Jose will take over at Ahly for a third stint following the derby. Ahly's defensive midfielder Hossam Ashour and striker Mohamed Fadl are doubtful for the game due to injuries. It remains to be seen whether Zamalek would be able to field attacking midfielder Hussein Yasser, who linked up with Qatar to prepare for next month's AFC Asian Cup. Zamalek stepped up their efforts to convince Qatar coach Bruno Metsu to let Yasser participate in the derby and return home afterwards.
