Portuguese coach Manuel Jose Da Silva is set to have his first official test with Ahly against Maqassa on Saturday in order to edge closer to the top after’s Zamalek struggle against El-Entag El-Harby ended 0-0.

Ahly hope for a fresh start with the Portuguese sorcerer who has hit stardom with the team during prior spells. Jose will enjoy huge reinforcement as international striker Emad Meteb is likely to play his first game in seven months following treatment for a back injury.

However, the defending champions will have to do without injured midfielders Ahmed Fathi and Hossam Ashour, in addition to Mohamed Fadl who has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.

In the other camp, Tarek Yehia will welcome his new signings Moroccan striker Omar Najdi and Zamalek former midfielder Ayman Abdel-Aziz when he meets Ahly.

Inspirational playmaker Ayman Hefni is also set to make his last appearance for Maqassa as he will join Talae El-Gaish on a 18-month loan deal.

Later in the day, Masry hope to maintain their successful run under the helm of new Swiss coach Alain Geiger when they’ll travel to play Ittihad El-Shorta. The Port Said based side hope that new signings Ehab El-Masry, Momen Zakarya and Mohamed Twakul will make the difference.

Saturday’s League games (Cairo local time):

16:45 Maqassa vs Ahly (Arab Consructors Stadium, Cairo)
19:00 Masry vs Ittihad El-Shorta (Port-Said Stadium, Port-Said)