Leaders Ahly will be looking to take another step towards a third consecutive Egyptian Premier League title when they face bottom side Ragaa in an easy game on Thursday.

The Red Devils are seeking to increase their lead on top of the table as nearest challengers Ismaily stutter, with the Dervishes still reeling from the sudden departure of French coach Sebastien Desabre.

Ahly are already three points clear of second-placed Ismaily with two games in hand. Should they win the rescheduled matches, they will go nine points clear of their rivals.

Since a 1-1 draw with Wadi Degla last month, Ahly have turned on the style to secure five straight wins, including an impressive 3-0 victory over cross-town foes Zamalek in the Cairo derby.

They have also moved to secure the future of several of their key stars, having extended the deals of skipper Hossam Ashour, in-form winger Walid Soliman and goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy.

Ahly are unlikely to face difficulty in brushing aside a Ragaa side who could only grab two wins in 19 league matches but their assistant coach insisted that nothing should be taken for granted.

"We regard Ragaa highly and we respect them. The match will not be easy as Ragaa's position in the table will make them eager to win and improve their position," Ahmed Ayoub told Ahly's official website.

Ahly will miss versatile defender Ahmed Fathi, playmaker Ahmed Hamdi and striker Marwan Mohsen, who has just returned from a long layoff, due to injury. Central defender Saad Samir is also rested.

South African winger Phakamani Mahlambi, who has yet to prove his worth following his summer arrival, was included in Ahly's squad for the Ragaa game.   

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