The Red Devils are determined to avoid any slip-ups in the final stretch of their quest for a historic 45th league title, with just two matches remaining in the season.
Ahly enter the clash atop the league standings with 52 points, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Pyramids FC, while NBE Club sit fourth with 37 points and have a game in hand.
The titleholders have been in formidable form during the playoff stage, securing four consecutive victories under interim coach Emad El-Nahhas, who took charge following the departure of Swiss tactician Marcel Koller after their CAF Champions League elimination.
Before this winning streak, Ahly were held to a 1-1 draw by title rivals Pyramids FC, which came on the heels of a controversial 3-0 forfeit loss to archrivals Zamalek in March.
The club initially faced a potential points deduction for withdrawing from the Cairo derby over disputes with match officials, but received a significant boost on Thursday when the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) appeals committee upheld the decision not to impose further sanctions.
El-Nahhas’s side will be without several key players due to injury, including Moroccan left-back Yahia Attiyat Allah, Karim El-Debes, Reda Slim, Rami Rabiaa, and Omar Kamal, with Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali remains a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury in training.
However, defenders Achraf Dari and Mohamed Hani could return after their recovery.
Meanwhile, NBE Club coach Tarek Mostafa will aim to build on his team’s recent resurgence, including a commanding 4-2 victory over Pyramids FC in the fifth round, as they seek to solidify their position in the upper echelons of the table.
Pyramids FC face Petrojet in must-win clash
Title challengers Pyramids FC will meet Petrojet at Cairo’s Petrosport Stadium on the same day, in what is considered a must-win game if they want to stay in the title race.
Petrojet, currently eighth with 26 points, are expected to pose a stern challenge despite their mid-table position.
Pyramids fc will be boosted by the return of winger Ramadan Sobhi and midfielder Mohanad Lasheen, both of whom missed their narrow 1-0 win over Zamalek in the previous round.
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