Ahmed Hassan Mekki (L) scores twice in Zamalek's 5-0 drubbing of Ghazl El-Mahallah in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday (Photo: Zamalek's official Facebook page)
Zamalek will be arguably facing their first major Egyptian league test when they visit a resilient Petrojet side at Suez Stadium on Monday.
Recently-appointed Petrojet manager Talaat Youssef looked to have breathed life into the side, who endured a stuttering start to the season under rookie coach Ahmed Hassan.
Having bagged only a single win in seven games, Hassan was subsequently relieved of his duties – with the highly-rated Talaat replacing the ex-Egypt skipper.
And things have seemingly improved at the Suez club since the 60-year-old's appointment, having led his new team to two vital wins over Ismaily and Alexandria's Ittihad in his first couple of games in charge.
They will now be looking to continue their revival against defending league champions Zamalek, a prospect that is likely to add to the excitement of their league meeting.
Injury-plagued Zamalek
Zamalek, on the other side, will be eyeing a strong start to a tough run of league fixtures, where they will be clashing with leaders Maqassa before taking on second-placed Dakhleya after facing Petrojet.
The Whites' mission against Petrojet will not be easy though, as they will be forced to cope with several absences due to injury and suspension.
Wide forward Mahmoud Kahraba and skipper Hazem Emam will both miss out, with the former suspended and the latter facing a two-week layoff due to a knee problem.
Subsequently, Zamalek manager Marcos Paqueta had to call up playmaker Mohamed Ibrahim, who makes the squad for the first time under the Brazilian boss.
Meanwhile on the right flank, Omar Gaber will continue to deputise for Emam, with makeshift right-back Ahmed Tawfik -- a natural midfielder -- nursing a knee injury.
Striker Ahmed Hassan Mekki will not be able to build on his fine display against Ghazl El-Mahalla, after scoring two goals in last week's 5-0 thrashing of the league minnows.
But Zamalek fans need not worry much, as they will be relishing the prospect of Bassem Morsi finding the net after a series of injuries and disciplinary problems kept him out for a while.
On the left flank, full-back Hamada Tolba is set for another start, with Mohamed Adel Gomaa out injured.
Zamalek are currently fourth on the league standings with 16 points, five adrift of leaders Maqassa who have played three games more.
Meanwhile, Petrojet lie in 10th spot with 11 points from 10 games.
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