Zamalek, aiming high under manager Hossam Hassan, surely have something to prove against a team who had given them hard time for the past couple of seasons.

The cup champions were victorious in their five previous meetings with the Cairo giants.

Moreover, a special contest is there between former Egypt mates Hassan and Tarek Al-Ashri, who was the only manager able to frustrate the Zamalek boss in the league last term.

"Hodoud's superiority doesn’t mean it has become a jinx, because we are still capable of winning against them," said Zamalek assistant coach Tarek Soliman.

"The management has great faith in the players, especially after we had concluded an impressive pre-season campaign."

Team news

Hosts Hodoud have some key players missing, most notably top scorer Ahmed Abdul-Ghani, who was sloppily sent off for dissent in the Super Cup defeat to Ahli.

Defense trio Ahmed Saied 'Ouka', Mohamed Mekki and Islam Al-Shater are all out injured.

But Senegalese striker Pape Latyr N'Diaye could make his league debut for the Alexandrians.

On the other hand, Amr Zaki should be able to shake off a pelvic problem and lead the Whites' frontline, while Hassan Mostafa and Hani Saied miss out due to injury.

Skipper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed is tipped to retain his place between the posts ahead of Egypt number one Essam Al-Hadari.

Other matches

Two other matches take place in Cairo, with a couple of teams making their first-ever league appearances.

At Salam Stadium, last season's Dark Horse Military Production entertain Alexandria's third representative Smouha.

While Production reply on their impressive debut season, Smouha will turn to newly-signed stars Ahmed Belal, Mohamed Abdullah and Beshir Al-Tabie.

At Green Mountain, Wadi Degla will make their league debut as well against last term's strugglers Arab Contractors.