The Egyptian Premier League resumes after a three-week break, with defending champions Ahli travelling to face newcomers Mansoura. The Red Devils are looking to ensure their supremacy on top of the league table, against a side that are no pushovers at home. As his side are yet to be beaten at home this season, former Zamalek coach Mohamed Helmi is also looking to break his jinx against Ahli. "We heavily rely on the home factor, and I hope to break my bad luck against Ahli," Helmi, who failed to beat Ahli in five previous meetings, said ahead of Monday's game. Despite his poor record against the league holders, Helmi earned the praise of his Ahli counterpart Hossam Al-Badri. "Mansoura are a team with a competent manager. I think he has achieved good results with the team so far," Al-Badri said. Ahli regain the services of international striker Emad Meteb, following a five-month layoff with a knee injury. Egypt U-20 duo Mohamed Talaat and Ahmed Shoukri were also selected by Al-Badri, as Liberian striker Francis Doe is serving a two-match suspension.
Mokhtar Reserve goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid is banned by the club after a dispute with Al-Badri, while defender Ahmed Ali is suspended. Other Matches In Suez, Petrojet aim to keep in touch with the leaders as they clash with Police Union, who could break into the top four with an away win. "We are eager to stay within the top four and keep challenging on the title," Petrojet boss Mokhtar Mokhtar said. Mokhtar will miss top scorer Al-Sayed Hamdi, who is out with a hamstring injury, in addition to Hani Hassan and Amr Hassan. Police also have their fair share of injury problems as Ahmed Moawad, Emad Helmi and Rashad Farouk have all been ruled out. Another crunch top-four clash will see Ismaili face Gaish, who will be without the competition's top scorer Salah Amin due to injury. Elsewhere, bottom club Ittihad host surprise package Military Production, yet to beaten in their first top-flight appearance. In Asyut, Petroleum take on Masri as the former are looking to get over their distress after losing captain Sami Abou-Zeid in a car accident last week.
