Zamalek seeking to claim a fifth straight victory under coach Mido (Ahram)
Mido, seeking to boost his reputation as a promising coach, led Zamalek to three wins out of three matches after taking over early this month but this fine run faces a stern test against high-flying Masry on Wednesday.
Zamalek might have overcome some tough opposition under Mido such as ENPPI and Dakhleya but their latest 1-0 win over modest Ittihad El-Shorta had the team's fans fuming on social media websites, questioning the dull display of the defending champions.
The White Knights struggled to carve out openings against a team which had lost 7-3 to Zamalek's arch-rivals Ahly earlier in the campaign, prompting a wave of criticism from the fans despite three straight victories under Mido, a former nomadic striker who played for a host of European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax Amsterdam and Marseille.
There is an abundance of attacking talents at Zamalek's disposal and anything less than a vibrant performance with many goal-scoring chances will not be enough to satisfy the demanding supporters.
"I'm not a magician. I've just taken charge of the club and there are many things still to be done to improve all aspects of Zamalek's game," Mido said following the win over El-Shorta.
Wednesday's opponents Masry are coached by Egypt's all-time leading scorer Hossam Hassan, who has a point to prove against Zamalek, where he played in the early 2000s in a trophy-laden era.
Hassan was in charge of Zamalek in the summer of 2014 but was dismissed a few games into the season after consecutive draws. The team went on to win the league for the first time since 2004 after being managed by Hassan and three other coaches throughout the season.
Mido, a prodigy at the time, partnered Hassan in Egypt's attack in the early 2000s and he repeatedly said the bald-headed frontman was his idol.
Both come face to face as managers for the first time but Hassan will not be on the touchline after being hit with a one-game ban for remonstrating with the referee during a heated 1-1 draw with Ittihad.
Masry lie fourth in the table with 26 points after a fine run, one behind leaders Zamalek who played a game fewer.
Both clubs have few injury worries ahead of the match.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: