It was in September 2006 when the Whites tasted victory over their rivals, courtesy of a winner from Magdi Atwa in Ismailia.

A win for Hossam Hassan's side will also boost their title credentials as they will go three points clear of Ahli, who were held at lowly Gouna on Tuesday.

The match is the first of three crunch challenges for Zamalek, who host Masri before clashing with Ahli in the Cairo derby later this month.

"Our next three games will be tough and decisive. We will play against popular teams competing for the title," defender Hani Saied said.

"Winning these matches will definitely give us a morale boost and prove our title credentials."

Ismaili, on the other hand, are struggling to get out of the bottom half, having scored one win in their last five games.

Team news

Zamalek once again are without striker Amr Zaki who is struggling with a knee injury, so Ahmed Gaafar will continue to deputize.

Hassan could give right-back Hazem Emam a rare start at the expense of Omar Gaber, while the fit-again Ahmed Ghanem could start on the bench.

Ismaili manager Mark Wotte said he will make a few changes to the side that got beaten at Masri last week, without giving names.