Defending champions Ahli resume the second half of the Egyptian Premier League with a home test against Masri on Saturday. The tie evokes memories of this season's opener in Port-Said, where Masri cruised to an impressive 2-0 victory over the Red Devils. Ahli recovered from the poor start though, as they aim to restore their position on top of the league table with a win at Cairo Stadium, having lost the summit temporarily to Petrojet, who beat Gaish on Friday. Manuel Jose's side miss influential playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika, who is still struggling with a knee problem, while unsettled Qatari Hussein Yasser could be involved. On the other hand, Masri new coach Bertalan Bicskei is set for a torrid debut against the African champions, following his appointment three days ago. The Hungarian will get comprehensive assistance from Tarek Soliman.
Ittihad out to upset Zamalek Ittihad vs. Zamalek In Alexandria, Zamalek are in danger of losing more ground in the league when they visit Taha Basri's Ittihad in a crucial mid-table clash. The home side could leapfrog Zamalek in seventh place should they hand the fallen Cairo giants their eighth defeat this term. The game is regarded as a 'crucial point' to Zamalek's season, with chairman Mohamed Amer holding a pep talk with players before leaving to Alexandria. The White Knights, who are just three points off the relegation zone, will be without Junior Agogo and Shikabala, whereas new boy Ibrahim Salah could make his debut in midfield.
-Ahli will be top should they win. -Masri coach Bicskei will make debut. -Zamalek are 3 points off the relegation zone. -Ittihad conceded no goals in their last four games. Injured duo Ahmed Hossam and Youssef Abdul-Rahim miss out for Ittihad, in addition to suspended Ghanaian forward Junior Quaye. Top scorer Abdul-Hamid Hassan was surprisingly left out by Basri, whose team haven't conceded a goal in the last four games. Other Games Elsewhere, buoyant cup champions Harras Hodoud visit Ismaili behind closed doors as the Dervishes serve a stadium ban, following the incidents of last month's 1-0 defeat to Ahli. Five-placed Hodoud are out to narrow the five-point gap with Ismaili, who have yet to win this year. In Asyut, Petroleum host ENPPI as former Zamalek striker Mostafa Gaafar will make his debut for the cup finalists.
