Zamalek will be looking for a morale boost ahead of the anticipated derby against arch rivals Ahly when they face bottom-placed FC Masr in the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday.

The Cairo derby is set to take place next Saturday, and a positive result against FC Masr would boost their chances to stop the dominance of reigning champions Ahly.

Since the league resumption earlier this month, Zamalek delivered shaky performances; narrowly beating Masry and Maqassa, while drawing with Ittihad of Alexandria.

In their last game on Saturday, Zamalek secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resilient Maqassa as youngster Hossam Ashraf came off the bench to score the winner in stoppage time.

Coach Patrice Carteron has rested several key players from this game including Mahmoud Alaa, Tarek Hamed, Mostafa Mohamed and Mohamed Abou Gabal. However he welcomed back forward Youssef "Obama" Ibrahim who recovered from a muscle injury. 

The Frenchman included several youngsters in his 20-man squad with the likes of Hossam Ashraf, Osama Faisal and Seif Farouk Gaafar.

On the other side, struggling FC Masr will not be such that stiff opponent for Zamalek, especially since they won only two matches and lost 10 since the season’s start. FC Masr lost against Ismaily and drew with Aswan since the league’s resumption.

Second-placed Zamalek have 38 points from 19 games, 15 behind runaway leaders Ahly. They are also three points ahead of third-placed Pyramids in what could be a tight race for second place, which earns qualification for the African Champions League.

FC Masr are fighting to avoid relegation as they currently lie at the bottom of the league table with 12 points from 18 matches.

"We are preparing for facing a big team that competes for both the league and Champions League titles and has secured a precious win against Maqassa," FC Masr coach Khaled Galal was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"We studied our opponents well and we are seeking a positive result. We motivated our players to do their best to improve the team's position on the league table," he added.

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