Title holders Ahli will be looking to put behind them the disappointing 2-2 draw against JS Kabylie of Algeria earlier this week when they take on Ittihad Alexandria in the Egyptian league on Thursday. Ittihad's good form this season under Serbian coach Slobodan Pavkovic 'Bob' will surely make Thursday's match a true spectacle. Yet, Ahli coach Manuel Jose has chose to rest some of his key-players to avoid exhaustion and recurring injuries ahead of the African Champions League semi-finals. Jose has excluded defender Islam Al-Shater and midfielders Hassan Mostafa, Hossam Ashour, Tarek Al-Saied and Mohamed Barakat from his 18-man squad. Emad Meteb's absence continues for administrative reasons. Nevertheless, Jose will have Angolan winger Gilberto back after a nine-month layoff through injury.
Ittihad have produced some good results Meanwhile, Ittihad coach, Bob, played down the significance of the game. "When you think about it, it's about the three points," the Serbian boss told FilGoal.com. However, Ittihad's board seem to differ, as they have promised to double the players' bonuses if they beat Ahli and continue their good showing this season. Ittihad are in second place in the league table on 11 points, five points behind leaders Ismaili. Both Ahli and Ittihad are looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league. In other matches, Petrojet will face Arab Contractors, Al-Gaish host Tanta, Ghazl Mahalla face Suez Cement, and Masri take on Harras Al-Hodoud
