كتب : Omar AbdelAziz
After vowing to bring silverware to the club this season, manager Hossam Hassan saw his team kick off the season with a different start than the one had in mind.
The Whites, looking significantly insipid, won four points from their first three games, conceding five goals in the process.
It was a start that prompted Hassan to reconsider his selection as he looks set to tone down his ultra-attacking strategy against the league minnows.
Striker Amr Zaki is set to play alone upfront, with Shikabala and Hussein Yasser in support and Ivorian Abou Kone dropping to the bench.
Qatar forward Yasser has returned to training and is tipped for a start despite his persistent new-contract demands of late.
Ghana's Rahim Ayew was included in the squad for the first time and is likely to start after impressing as a right-back in recent friendlies.
Iraq striker Emad Mohamed joins defenders Amr Al-Safti and Ahmed Ghanem on the casualty list, while full-back Hazem Emam was left out amid talks with Libya's Ittihad.
White-looking Gouna
On the other hand, Gouna will be looking for their first away point this season, with a number of former Zamalek employers among their ranks.
Apart from manager Ismail Youssef, the Hurghada-based side rely on the services of Gamal Hamza, Ahmed Omran, Sherif Ashraf and goalkeeper Mohamed Abdul-Monsef.
"I consider myself a son for Zamalek, that’s why the game will be very difficult for me," said former Zamalek vice-captain Abdul-Monsef.
"I know that Zaki and Shikabala are Zamalek's main source of danger, but I will be ready to stop them.
"I still hope to return to Zamalek and end my career with the club I was honored to play for."
Production eye top spot
Elsewhere, Military Production will go top with a victory over their hosts Gaish in Cairo.
Osama Orabi's team were off to a terrific start, winning their first three games, before losing at Police Union in their previous game.
In Suez, Petrojet host MCDR in attempt to record their third straight victory.