Ahli will be looking to wrap up the Egyptian League title when they face Baladeya on Monday, amid protests from the Mahalla-based club over the match's venue. A point will be enough for the Red Devils, who are yet to taste defeat this term, to secure a fourth successive league title. If Ahli share spoils with Baladeya, they will have an unattainable 22-point lead over Ismail and Al-Gaish with seven matches to go. "It is true that a draw will be enough for us, but our premier target is to claim all three points," Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri was quoted as saying by Al-Messa. On the other hand, relegation-threatened Baladeya will be hoping to claim an unlikely win after being forced to play away from their stadium. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Saturday that the game has been switched to Tanta due to security concerns. Baladeya president Mahmoud Al-Shami was unhappy with the decision and handed an official request to the EFA to reverse their stance. Ahli will be missing regular striker Emad Meteb, who serves an automatic one-match suspension. Ahmed Belal, who recently voiced his discontent at being continuously snubbed by Ahli coach Manuel Jose, will replace Meteb. Amir Abdul-Hamid, who has been Ahli's first-choice keeper following Essam Al-Hadari's abrupt move to Swiss side Sion, failed to make the squad through injury. Youngster Ahmed Abdul-Moneim will deputize for him for the second successive match after taking part in the 1-1 draw with Ismaili. Ahli sweeper Emad Al-Nahhas also misses out after suffering cruciate ligament damage against Ismaili. He faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Zamalek aim to maintain second place Baladeya will likely rely on striker Hani Al-Egeizi to get something from the game. The 23-year-old striker, who is Baladeya's top scorer with six goals, will face the team he is set to join in the summer. Zamalek V Al-Hodoud Zamalek will be looking to maintain their recent fine of run of results, which saw them consolidate their second-place position. The runners-up spot brings with it CAF Champions League qualification. The men in white will miss star striker Amr Zaki, who has been hit by a string of injuries recently. The Egypt hitman made a substitute appearance in the 2-1 victory over Ghazl Mahalla after recovering from a knee injury but a hamstring complaint will force him sit out again. Zamalek will also have to do without influential duo Beshir Al-Tabie and Mahmoud Fathallah. Both defenders are injured to join long-term absentee Wissem El-Abdi in Zamalek's treatment room. Al-Hodoud, who were eliminated from the Egyptian Cup at the hands of Zamalek, will be looking to keep alive their hopes of playing African football next season The military club lie fifth in the league table with 38 points, three behind third-placed Ismaili. They need to finish third to qualify to the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
