The White Knights, sitting third in the table with 20 points, are looking to close the gap on the leaders, while Ismaily, currently 14th with 12 points, are desperate for points to steer clear of the relegation battle.
Swiss coach Christian Gross is short of options, with key midfielder Abdallah El-Said ruled out due to injury and defender Mahmoud ‘El-Wensh’ Hamdi sidelined with illness. Omar Gaber remains doubtful, pending a late fitness test. However, Zamalek will be boosted by the return of Nasser Maher, who has recovered from a muscle strain and is expected to play a key role in midfield.
The team’s defensive options have been further depleted by the absence of Hamza Mathlouthi and Mostafa El-Zenari, forcing Gross to turn to new signing Ahmed Hossam, who is set to make his debut. Striker Nasser Mansi is also unavailable due to suspension.
Zamalek come into the match after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Pyramids in their last league outing, a result that put pressure on the squad to respond with a strong performance.
On the other side, Ismaily will enter the match hoping to end their recent struggle after conceding back-to-back defeat against Ittihad of Alexandria and Talae El-Gaish.
The former three-time Egyptian champions are just battling to survive in the top flight for another season as they have struggling with financial woes for several years.
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