In recent years, either Ahli or Zamalek had the upper hand in terms of the positive results preceding the contest but today the case is different.

Ahli have dominated Egyptian football for the past two years, in which the outcome of the Cairo derby was almost guaranteed in the Red Devils' favor.

However, the Egyptian League's start this season saw both teams find it difficult to claim smooth victories and even stumble in some encounters.

Zamalek were handed a stunning 1-0 home defeat to Ismaili in the league opener while Ahli were held to two draws by Masri and Arab Contractors, four matches into the competition.

Krol excludes underachievers

Zamalek Dutch manager Ruud Krol has taken a zero tolerance approach towards underachievers since arriving in the close season following the resignation of Henri Michel.

Although skipper Hazem Emam and left-back Tarek Al-Sayed were regular members in Zamalek squad, the Dutch tactician opted not to include them in his plans for Ahli clash.

Their displays have been below-par lately and Krol apparently isn't ready to give them time to regain their form.

Zamalek will be relying on Amr Zaki's goal scoring abilities and Shikabala's pace and dazzling skills to overcome their historic opponents.

The Talented but problematic forward Gamal Hamza, if given a starting role, could also annoy Ahli defense through his penetration.

The men in white are comfortable after having a new-look defense this season, with the arrivals of Karim Zekri, Beshir Al-Tabie and Mahmoud Fathallah.

Al-Tabie will miss the game due to suspension and is likely to be replaced by Tunisian defender Wissem El-Abdi.

Jose confident as ever

Ahli were held to a goalless draw by Arab Contractors in a disappointing match, but the Red Devils' boss Manuel Jose remains confident his side will excel in the derby.

"We will certainly play against Zamalek much better than we did today. I'm waiting for the players' response and I'm sure they will return to their best on Monday," the Portuguese manager said after Contractors match.

Jose has surprisingly omitted Moataz Eno from the match, denying him a chance to face his former club.

Midfielder Eno sealed a controversial move to Ahli from their arch-rivals Zamalek in the close season.

Jose will be hoping midfield trio Hossam Ashour, Anis Boujelbene and Hassan Mostafa would compensate for the loss of Mohamed Shawki, who joined Premiership side Middlesbrough.

Impressive playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika is Ahli's key man, but he will need the help of attacking duo Emad Meteb and Flavio Amado.

The two strikers have been out of form since the beginning of the season and failed to live up to expectations. Nevertheless, they are expected to be included in the starting line-up.

Probable line ups:

Zamalek: Mohamed Abdul-Monsef, Mahmoud Fathallah, Karim Zekri, Wissem El-Abdi, Ahmed Ghanem, Ahmed Magdi, Alaa Abdul-Ghani, Mohamed Abou-Ella, Shikabala, Amr Zaki, Gamal Hamza

Ahli: Essam Al-Hadari, Emad Al-Nahhas, Shadi Mohamed, Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Barakat, Gilberto, Hassan Mostafa, Hossam Ashour, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Emad Meteb, Flavio