Ismaili turn their attention back to the Egyptian league as they host ENPPI following a morale-boosting victory in Africa. The Dervishes, who started the season with two defeats, revived their Champions League hopes with a 2-1 win over Heartland and will be looking for a third straight victory on Thursday. But it's a fixture they haven't won in two years against a team who scored eight goals in their last four games against the coastal club. Like Ismaili, ENPPI have won their first game this season, edging Gouna 1-0 in the opener in Cairo, which makes it an evenly-balanced contest. Ismaili are missing two influential players through long-term injuries as Egypt duo Hosni Abd-Rabou and Omar Gamal are sidelined with serious knee problems. However, key playmaker Abdullah Saied is nearing full fitness and has been included in the match squad at the expense of Mohab Saied.
Neveu leads Smouha for the first time ENPPI are sweating over the fitness of Ivorian striker Zeka Goury, while his partner Ahmed Raouf has been ruled out. Alex derby In Alexandria, a local derby takes place with newcomers Smouha looking for their first-ever league point against Harras Hodoud. Smouha were rocked by the sudden departure of manager Mohsen Saleh following their opening day defeat at Military Production. This time Frenchman Patrice Neveu has been handed the task of leading the team against Hodoud, who have just opened their African Confederation Cup group stage campaign. Tarek Al-Ashri's team could only manage a goalless stalemate against Tunisia's Sfaxien on Sunday, having also drawn with Zamalek in their league opener two weeks ago.
