Ahli will entertain Ismaili on Thursday knowing that a win could see them crowned league champions at the weekend. The 32-time champions are in pole position to make it four on the trot as they boast a massive 21 lead over trio Ismaili, Zamalek and Al-Gaish. However, should Gaish stumble against Petrojet on Friday, the Red Devils will be officially announced champions if they beat Ismaili at the Military Stadium. Unbeaten in 23 games this season, Ahli will also be looking for vengeance against the Dervishes, who were the only side to beat the holders twice last term. Goalkeeper Crisis The notorious departure of Essam Al-Hadari to FC Sion left Ahli with Amir Abdul-Hamid as the only senior goalkeeper available for the rest of the season. To add to their woes, Abdul-Hamid was ruled out of the encounter with a hamstring injury as Manuel Jose's team will be forced to use two young goalkeepers. Ahmed Adel Abdul-Moneim, 20, is set to make his full debut, while Mohamed Al-Shinnawi will act as stand-in keeper.
Key man: Hosni Abd-Rabou Emad Meteb has been passed fit despite failing to train for most of the week, while former Ismaili favorite Ahmed Fathi returns from suspension. Ahmed Belal remains out of favor for Jose, as Reda Al-Weeshi makes a surprise break into the 18-man list. Ahli Squad: Abdul-Moniem, Al-Shinnawi- Al-Nahhas, Al-Sayed, Al-Shater, Shadi, Mo.Samir- Barakat, Boujelbene, Ashour, Fathi, Abou-Treika, Sedik- Flavio, Meteb, Hesham, Al-Weeshi. Abd-Rabou Effect Ismaili will have to rely heavily on midfield marvel Hosni Abd-Rabou as duo Mohamed Hommos and Samuel Johnson are unavailable. Skipper Hommos picked up an ankle injury against ENPPI last week and is certain to miss the clash, while Guinea midfielder Johnson is suspended. However, the commanding figure of CAN 2008 Player of the Tournament Abd-Rabou could still cause problems to the mighty Reds. Center-half Moatassem Salem is also out injured, but Ibrahim Yehia should deputize. Ismaili Squad: Sobhi, Fathi- H.Saied, Yehia, Abdul-Fadil, Al-Gamal, Farag, Al-Saadouni- Al-Shahhat, Abd-Rabou, Al-Saied, O.Gamal, Khairy, Atanda- Fadl, Karim, Samir, Y.Gamal.
