Preview: Zamalek to alter rotation policy, Ahly eyeing another win

Zamalek play Masry in Suez and Dakhleya host Ahly in Cairo in Monday's Egyptian Premier League games

Zamalek will alter their rotation policy when they face Masry on Monday as they aim to end a disappointing run that saw them settle for draws in their previous two matches in the Egyptian Premier League.
The White Knights' poor performances in two stalemates with Ittihad El-Shorta and Beni Suef Telephones were in part blamed on the several changes rookie coach Mido makes in his starting line-up every match.
Mido, a fan favourite who is burdened with ending Zamalek's 10-year wait for a league title, said following a 0-0 draw with modest Beni Suef he would switch that strategy after "some players failed to prove their worth".
"Those who did not prove that they deserve a place in the starting line-up will not get another chance soon because we need some stability in the upcoming period," the 31-year-old said.
Despite Zamalek's stumble in two consecutive matches, they still have destiny in their own hands after Ismaily and Petrojet, their main challengers in Group B, also slipped up.
Ismaily, who last won the league in 2002, slumped to a 1-0 loss to Qanah while Petrojet were held to a 1-1 draw by Haras El-Hodoud.
Zamalek, who lie fifth with 15 points, have two matches in hand on second-placed Ismaily (19 points) and three on leaders Petrojet (22).
They play Masry in Suez as the Green Eagles were banned from playing at home due to security concerns, having returned to the top-flight after a one-year absence following a football tragedy that left over 70 dead in coastal city Port Said in February 2012.
"We should take advantage of the results of Ismaily and Petrojet when we face Masry. Beating them would be a step in helping us climb to the summit," Mido added.
Zamalek's arch-rivals Ahly, winners of the past seven league editions, will be looking to build on their convincing 3-1 victory over El-Entag El-Harby when they meet Dakhleya in Group A on Monday evening.
Dakhleya inflicted a 1-0 victory over Ahly last month but the Red Devils have steadily improved since then, winning the African Super Cup at the expense of Tunisia's Sfaxien before defeating El-Entag.
They are still struggling for creativity but they can take heart from the performance of Moussa Yedan against El-Entag after the Burkina Faso forward opened his Ahly account with a stunning volley and laid on another goal for striker El-Sayed Hamdi.
Ahly are fourth in Group A with 19 points from 10 games, three behind Arab Contractors and Ittihad of Alexandria who both played a game more. Leaders and surprise package Smouha have 26 points from 26 points.
The winners and runners up of both groups will advance to a mini-league phase to determine the champion.
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