Ismaili will be looking to gain ground on leaders Ahli when they face Petrojet away from home in the Egyptian Premier League on Monday. Ahli's goalless draw with Police Union on Friday should motivate Ismaili ahead of their mouth-watering clash against Petrojet. The Dervishes would come to within one point of Ahli should they overcome Petrojet, who were deemed title contenders earlier in the season before enduring a disappointing run in the league's second half. "It is a crucial match. A win will be very important to us," Ismaili football director Ihab Galal told FilGoal.com. Ismaili coach Ricardo Ferreira will have a fully-fit squad to choose from against Petrojet. The Brazilian tactician will have influential midfielder Mohamed Hommos available after the Ismaili skipper recovered from injury. The three-time Egyptian champions, who were handed a 2-1 away defeat to Esperance in the first-leg of the Arab Champions League quarter-final, will only miss talented midfielder Ahmed Khairi.
Mokhtar wants to help Petrojet snap winless run Khairi, who admirably filled the void left by the departure of Egyptian international Hosni Abd-Rabou, will serve an automatic one-match suspension for picking up three yellow cards. Redemption Petrojet will be looking for redemption after failing to secure a win for four consecutive games. The club's board of directors has recently given coach Mokhtar Mokhtar a vote of confidence following the recent dip in form. Petrojet will miss defensive duo Ayman Ramadan and Mohamed Al-Fakahani due to injury and suspension respectively. The board said they would fine every player EGP 10,000 following Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Masri but they intend to make a U-turn on their stance if Petrojet beat Ismaili. A victory for Petrojet, who lie fifth in the table, would move them to third place.
