Zamalek will be seeking to build on their recent 2-1 Egyptian league home victory over Tanta when they visit Smouha at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium on Saturday. Following a stuttering start to manager Ehab Galal's tenure at Zamalek, having only bagged two victories in six games since arriving in January, the Cairo giants will be hoping results would go their way this time around when they play Smouha away from home. Zamalek, however, will be looking to keep behind their backs the result of the reverse fixture against the Alexandrians – who ran out 3-0 winners in the first half of the season. And given that both teams are separated only by a single point, with Zamalek lying fourth and Smouha fifth, the two sides will be looking for a victory in an attempt to improve their league position. “It's a crucial clash, with both teams vying for a top-four position,” Smouha manager Talaat Youssef told Egyptian website FilGoal.com. “We know well the points of strength and weaknesses in Zamalek; with their defense being their most vulnerable line. “For sure we will be playing for a victory.” Zamalek manager Galal has left out midfielder Mahmoud Abdel-Aati, right-back Hazem Emam and striker Bassem Morsi due to different reasons. Congolese striker Kabongo Kassongo, meanwhile, has made the squad after being ruled out against Tanta for reacting angrily following his substitution in the previous goalless draw with Enppi. Tunisia right-back Hamdi Nagguez, who enjoyed a fine debut against Tanta, has been declared fit for the tie having suffered a strain during Thursday's training session. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
