The league holders haven’t registered a win since April 9th, when they overcame Egypt Telecom 2-1. Since then, they drew five consecutive local and continental games.

Ahli failed to beat Ghazl Mahalla, Zamalek and ENPPI, in addition to two draws against Kano Pillars in the Champions League last 16 round, a result that saw Ahli exit the competition.

The massive drop in the form of some players, as well as the absence of a host of others, made the technical staff take the decision to promote three youngsters.

Defender Mostafa Salah, midfielder Shehab Al-Din Ahmed and striker Mohamed Talaat were all named by coach Manuel Jose for the Hammers encounter.

The youngsters will deputise in place of the suspended trio of Ahmed Fathi, Moataz Eno and Sayed Moawad, and the injured pair of Wael Gomaa and Shadi Mohamed.

Ahli are facing the possibility of losing the league title for the first time in five years, as the six-time African champions are trailing leaders Ismaili by three points and one game in hand.

While the Dervishes will face Telecom Egypt and Tersana respectively, Ahli will be up against Harras Hodoud and Gaish after Thursday's encounter.

Relegation Strugglers

On the other hand Tersana will have to prove that they did not give up on their Premiership cause.

Yehia Al-Sayed's men are in 15th place in the table with 23 points and one game less than Telecom, who are 14th on 29 points.

Some pundits already believe that the Cairo club are all but relegated, especially that their next three games include two against title chasers Ahli and Ismaili.

Their remaining match will be against Petrojet.

Tersana were thrashed 4-0 by Ahli in the league's first term, where striker Flavio Amado, Mohamed Barakat (brace) and Ahmed Sedik scored for Manuel Jose's team.