Ismaili will be looking for their first win in six games when they host Egyptian Premier League holders Ahli in a crunch challenge on Sunday. Even though the home side's recent form has been anything but steady, the last meeting between Egypt's fiercest rivals was a sensation for the men in yellow. An impressive 4-2 Champions League victory in Ismailia two months ago was a huge boost for the Dervishes, even though it was a game to spare for both sides.
Barakat is the man to watch for Ahli Knowing that another victory over Ahli could take them out of the bottom half of the table, Ismaili seem to be desperate for the three points. "This is a crucial match in our league season," Ismaili assistant manager Ahmed Qenawi told FilGoal.com. "A win will see us return to contention, while any other result could send us further away."
Ahli are the only unbeaten team in the league so far Barakat's influence While Ismaili have been struggling with form, Ahli have countless casualties ahead of the big game, with at least one key player in every position missing. Goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami, full-back Sayed Moawad, midfielder Hossam Ashour and striker Mohamed Fadl are the most notable in Ahli's long list of injuries.
The last goalless draw between both sides was back in 2000 Moreover, the poor form of talisman Mohamed Abou-Treika has been a major concern for manager Hossam Al-Badri of late, as Mohamed Barakat is now considered Ahli's ace. "Barakat has the experience to lead the team in such tricky matches," Al-Badri's assistant Alaa Maihoub said. "We know we have a number of injured players and others who are not performing at their best.
Barakat scored a total of 11 goals in previous meetings between the two teams "But we hope that Barakat can be our primary playmaker against Ismaili by moving the team forward and leading our attacks." Barakat, who scored five times against Ahli during his Ismaili days, hit six past his old club since joining the Reds in 2004. He is expected to play behind in-form forward Geddo, who has been declared fit to play after suffering an injury in Egypt's 3-0 win over Australia. Swiss referee Carlo Bertolini will be in charge of the match. Bertolini is a UEFA category 3 ref.
