Egyptian Premier League leaders Ahli entertain mid-tablers ENPPI as pressure grows on the defending champions. The Reds' uncommon stuttering, along with the terrific form of arch-rivals Zamalek, suggests a fiery title race could be looming. Although they have two games in hand, Ahli are now three points ahead of Zamalek, who anticipate any lapse for Hossam Al-Badri's side. The disappointing defeat at Champions League debutants Gunners at the weekend proved that the Egyptian masters are anything but consistent so far this year. But Al-Badri, whose side were wretched by incessant injuries this term, will be hopeful to rediscover the form of the first half of the season, with the return of most his key men.
Treika pushing for a start Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan is fit again and should start on Thursday night, whereas Liberian striker Francis Doe has also recovered from injury. The better news though is that talisman Mohamed Abou-Treika is in contention to start for the first time this year following a long-term foot injury. First-choice keeper Sherif Ekrami misses out through injury, so Ahmed Adel will be given another chance to impress at Arab Contractors Stadium. Center-half Sherif Abdul-Fadil has also been ruled out with a thigh problem. ENPPI, on the other hand, have an injury-free squad as they aim to enhance their 10th position in the table. The petroleum side have two games in hand, including the Ahli clash, and could climb to fifth place should they amass maximum points.
1-Ahli: 46 pts from 21 games 2-Zamalek: 43 pts from 23 games 3-Petrojet: 38 pts from 21 games 4-Ismaili: 37 pts from 21 games Petrojet and Ismaili In Suez, third-placed Petrojet host Harras Hodoud as they look to close the gap with Zamalek to two points. Mokhtar Mokhtar's side are set to miss influential playmaker Walid Soliman through injury, but the league's top scorer Eric Bekoe is fit again to lead the frontline. Another title-contenders Ismaili face Gouna in Ismailia as they look to overcome their continuous injury problems against the lowly side. The Dervishes will be without Omar Gamal, Abdullah Al-Saied, Ahmed Khairi and Ibrahim Yehia, while top scorer Ahmed Ali is suspended.
