Ten Egyptian Premier League matches take place on Monday but the main event will see Ismaili host Zamalek in crunch top-four clash. The title-contenders are tied on 36 points, seven adrift of leaders Ahli, who visit bottom club Asyut Petroleum. Zamalek, who are on a superb eight-match winning streak, also hope to improve their dismal head-to-head record with the Dervishes of late. The Whites' last victory in the often-goal-rich encounter came in 2006, before Ismaili's four victories and a draw in recent years. "Of course we want the break the Ismaili jinx, but a win in this game can also boost our chances to win the league," Zamalek star Shikabala said. "Apart from the three points, a victory will give us a huge push and will also send a warning note to all our rivals." Team News Zamalek have defender Ahmed Ghanem back from suspension, but the full-back faces competition from youngster Omar Gaber, we dazzled on his debut against Gaish last week.
Al-Hadari: Endless problems Goalkeeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed is expected to shake off a head injury, while Mohamed Abdul-Monsef returns to back up the Zamalek skipper. Ismaili will once again be without Egypt number one Essam Al-Hadari, who is yet to resolve his financial problems with the board. Influential midfielder Mohamed Hommos will also miss out through suspension, while Omar Gamal is out injured. Other Matches Leaders and defending champions Ahli are favorites to beat lowly Asyut, who are the only team not to win at home so far this term. Ahli will be without Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan, who is suffering from fatigue, but regain the services of Ahmed Fathi and Sayed Moawad. In Suez, Petrojet play in a must-win match against Ghazl Mahalla as they aim to regain second place after suffering two straight defeats. Military Production, Gaish and Police Union vie for fifth place as the trio is tied on 30 points before facing Arab Contractors, Masri and ENPPI respectively. Mansoura take on Harras Hodoud in an interesting bottom-of-the-table clash, while Ittihad host Gouna in Alexandria.
