كتب : Omar AbdelAziz
Defending champions Ahli visit Arab Contractors as they aim to maintain their four-match winning streak when they meet the league strugglers.
Hossam Al-Badri's side have cruised through to the CAF Champions League last 16 with a less-than-impressive victory over Zimbabwe's Gunners at the weekend.
The performance raised eyebrows and Al-Badri admitted there is room for improvement despite the steady form.
The Contractors game comes a few days before the Cairo derby against Zamalek, who are six points behind their bitter rivals.
While Ahli expect nothing less than the three points, a defeat for Contractors could seal the fate of under-pressure manager Mohamed Amer, with the team languishing in the danger zone.
"It’s a very difficult game. Our critical position makes it harder for us to play against Ahli in the meantime," said the ex-Ahli star.
Ahli will miss Sherif Ekrami, Gilberto, Ahmed Al-Sayed through injury, while Francis Doe, Hani Al-Egeizi and Ahmed Belal were dropped.
Contractors welcome back marksman Ihab Al-Masri from suspension, but miss defenders Hamada Youssef, Ahmed Abdul-Aziz, Medhat Ramadan and Mahmoud Aziz.
Zamalek vs. Police
Zamalek face a tricky test in Cairo against the ambitious Police Union, who are eager to make the top four.
Enjoying a 13-match unbeaten run, Hossam Hassan's side have also kept clean sheets in their past five games, sending a warning note to leaders Ahli.
Police, on the other hand, have promised their players a massive increase in bonuses if they managed to beat the unstoppable Whites.
Zamalek welcome back midfield duo Ibrahim Salah and Hassan Mostafa, but Hussein Yasser and Hani Saied miss out through injury.
Egypt sweeper Saied has been declared unfit for the game, although it is believed he has fallen out with coach Hassan.
Other Matches
High-flying Military Production visit Gouna as they close in on third place for the first time, while the latter are pushing for a spot in the top ten.
The derby of Alexandria is another interesting encounter between Ittihad and Harras Hodoud, who are both tied on 32 points.
Relegation-candidates Mansoura and Asyut Petroleum face tough tests against ENPPI and Gaish respectively as the bottom duo is almost certain to go down.