The league title is no longer within grasp but Zamalek are eyeing a victory at Masri, in a bid to finish the season as runners-up to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season. The White Knights, who are now in second place with 48 points, are closely followed by third-placed Petrojet. The game in Port Said is expected to be pulsating and Zamalek are forced to play youngster Omar Gaber as a right back due to the unavailability of the regular wingers. "Of course the game is a stern challenge because our opponents are tough and will be playing among their supporters," Zamalek assistant coach told FilGoal.com. "We will field Omar Gaber because Ahmed Ghanem and Hazem Emam are both ruled out (through injury and suspension respectively)." Petrojet, who are trailing Zamalek by two points, are eager to leapfrog Hossam Hassan's side into second spot, therefore will be looking to down ENPPi. But they will have to do without their prolific hitman Eric Bekoe and Ahmed Shabaan who are both injured. Ismaili's Dilemma Ismaili are on the horns of a dilemma ahead of their game with Ahli as they are undecided about their squad.
The Dervishes are considering leaving their key players out of the match in order to give them enough rest before their Champions League meeting with Sudan's Hilal. Ismaili registered a 1-0 win at Hilal in the round of 16 late in April and are tipped to book a place in the next round as they are hosting the return leg, which takes place this month. But the costal side will also be seeking to beat Ahli, who won the league title last week upon battering Mansoura 3-0. Ismaili are hoping for a fourth-place finish in the Egyptian Premier League and also want to avoid a demoralizing defeat to their bitter rivals ahead of their African tie. "It's not easy to make a decision in this situation," Ismaili assistant coach Emad Soliman said. "We are still thinking about it. "We don't want to lose to Ahli and at the same time we don't want to exhaust our players before clashing with Hilal. "Anyway all players are ready for the game, excluding injured trio Ayman Ramadan, Esam Al-Hadari and Ibrahim Yehia." On the other hand, Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri announced that he wouldn't field most of the Red Devils' stars for the remainder of the season . His squad, however, includes several regulars such as veteran midfielders Ahmed Mohamed Barakat and Ahmed Hassan.
Petrojet Other Matches Elsewhere, Military Production and Police Union, who lie fifth and sixth respectively in the league table, will fight it out. Both teams hope that Ahli will beat fourth-placed Ismaili in order to get a chance to compete for a top-four place. Police, who are only one point adrift of Production, three of Ismaili, are planning to take advantage of their opposition's 'suttering backline'. "Production had a great season but their stuttering backline is one of their main weaknesses," Police's football director Mounir Oukila stated. Harras Hodoud, who face Gouna, also have a chance to advance to fourth place. The Alexandrian side will be hoping to extend their 11-match unbeaten run and are widely expected to beat Gouna, who are struggling to avoid relegation. Arab Contractors and Ghazl Mahalla are hoping to secure top-flight places too. They face Mansura and Gaish respectively. Middle-table team Ittihad will take on relegated side Asyut Petroleum in a meaningless affair.
