Revamped Zamalek take on Ismaili in the Egyptian League curtain raiser on Monday while champions Ahli, who have already opened their season with a trophy, play Masri in Port Said, a place they are not so popular in. Zamalek kick-off their campaign with at least three new players in their starting line-up and a new manager on the bench. Dutchman Ruud Krol took over in a critical time following the sudden resignation of Henri Michel, who led Zamalek in the pre-season and chose the squad. Hammered by defensive problems over the past few seasons, Zamalek signed a complete back-line, including Mahmoud Fathallah, Karim Zekri, Beshir Al-Tabie and defender-turned-midfielder Ahmed Magdi. The new-signings are set to start at the Cairo International Stadium, shoring up the defense alongside veterans Tarek Al-Sayed and goalkeeper Mohamed Abdul-Monsef. Up front, Zamalek seem sure of scoring despite missing top scorer Amr Zaki, who serves a one-match ban due to being red-carded in the Egyptian Cup final. Egypt wizard Mahmoud Abdul-Razek ‘Shikabala' will be playing a deep role behind the striking duo of Gamal Hamza and Abdul-Halim Ali. Captain and veteran playmaker Hazem Emam as well as forward Mostafa Gaafar will be ready to participate off the bench.
Ahly Super Ahli Egyptian football ultimate champions Ahli are expecting hostile reception at the coastal city but that won't be of much intimidation for them. They have already won their first trophy of the season after beating Ismaili on penalties to clinch Super Cup on Thursday. This is the third successive Super crown and they are looking forward to repeat the feat in the Egyptian League. The reds miss defender Wael Gomaa who has been handed a three-match ban after punching an Ismaili player off the ball in the Super Cup. Mohamed Shawki won't feature against his old club after coach Manuel Jose decided to drop him from the squad for unknown reasons. But former Zamalek midfielder Moataz Eno will be making his league debut with Ahli against the side that introduced his father as one of the 80s greats. International striker Emad Meteb is expected to shove his way back to the starting line-up alongside Angolan marksman Flavio Amado.
