CAIRO - Zamalek host arch-rivals Ismaili in a make-or-break Egyptian Premier League match in Cairo Wednesday, with both teams eyeing three points. The White Knights want to go top of the league. They have 18 points so far, while Ismaili have 13 points. Zamalek's Hossam Hassan will be introducing Ahmed Gaafar, Hussein Yasser and Shikabala as strikers. Zamalek's defender Mahmoud Fathallah has been declared fit to play after recovering from a hamstring injury which he contracted during training on Sunday. The following day, the former Ghazl el-Mahalla player passed a medical, so he can feature in tonight's clash. Meanwhile, those Ismaili fans who were arrested after their team lost 2-0 to El-Masri in Port Said on Thursday have been released from prison. About 25 supporters rioted after the defeat. The Dervishes, who put on well during Monday's training, are determined to compensate for their loss. Shadi Mohamed and Ahmed Ali both joined in the training. Ismaili have turned down Zamalek's overtures towards teenage goalie Mohamed Awwad, leaving the Cairo side unable to resolve their goalkeeping dilemma. Zamalek are in dire need of recruiting a keeper after Essam el-Hadari was suspended for four months in October, which makes Abdel-Wahed el-Sayyed the only bona fide keeper at the club. The White Knights, who have been suffering a financial predicament since wealthy businessman Mamdouh Abbas was sacked as chairman, recently expressed an interest in Awwad. But the Dervishes are reluctant to offload any of their players for the time being.
