The Cairo side, who last won the elite competition in 2004, are enduring one of their worst financial difficulties that could deprive them of some key players such as Shikabala and Mahmoud Fathallah.

The interim board of directors, led by chairman Galal Ibrahim, made pleas to several businessmen, including former president Mamdouh Abbas who was relieved of his duties by a court ruling, to give the club a helping hand.

But it seems unlikely that Zamalek will get a respite anytime soon, leaving coach Hossam Hassan with an uphill climb to keep hold of his prized assets who helped the success-starved side move top with a 2-0 victory over surprise package Police Union last week.

They can sweeten the pill of their crisis though, at least on a temporary basis, when they face a Gaish side they usually struggle to beat despite the gulf in class between both sides.

"We are doing our best to isolate the football team from the ongoing problems," Galal Ibrahim, who is burdened with the heavy task of paying off some of Zamalek's debts which exceed EGP 100 million, said on Wednesday.

"Hossam Hassan is doing a great job despite the club's financial problems."

Zamalek, who are two points ahead of second-placed Police, will miss striker Amr Zaki who failed to recover from a knee injury in time to feature in the game.

Gaish will be hoping to cause an upset to make up for a poor run which leaves them third from bottom in the 16-team table.

Available Striker

Third-placed Ahli, who can move top if they win their three games in hand, will finally have a recognized striker available when they play ENPPI later on Thursday.

The Red Devils' coach Hossam Al-Badri had to field natural deep-lying forward Geddo as a lone frontman during last week's 1-0 victory at Petrojet due to the injuries of the likes of Francis Doe and Mohamed Fadl.

But Liberian Doe was included in Ahli's squad for the tough game against ENPPI after shaking off a hamstring complaint.

They will miss left-back Sayed Moawad after he sustained a calf injury. Youngster Ayman Ashraf could deputize for him.

Ismaili, still looking to recover from the disappointing Champions League group-stage exit, will be hoping to build on their last week's superb victory over Gaish when they play Masri in what is known as the Canal Derby.

The Dervishes currently lie sixth in the table but can break into the top four if they win their rescheduled games.