Photo courtesy of Al Ahly FC
The defending champions were held to draws by Petrojet and Masry before the league suspension and will be keen to rediscover their winning rhythm, with little margin for further setbacks.
Ahly are third in the standings on 23 points, nine behind leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, who have played two matches more, and four behind second-placed Pyramids FC, who have played the same number of games like Ahly.
During the winter transfer window, Ahly added four players to their squad.
Marawan Othman and Ahmed Eid featured in Friday’s 2-0 CAF Champions League group-stage win over Young Africans.
Moroccan full-back Youssef Belammari and defender Amr El-Gazzar, who both missed the African fixture, are set to be included in the squad to face Degla, although their participation remains uncertain.
Danish coach Jess Thorup is expected to have a near full-strength squad at his disposal, giving him selection decisions to make ahead of the encounter.
However, Ahly cannot afford complacency against opponents who have impressed since their return to the top flight.
Promoted from the second division, Wadi Degla — coached by 38-year-old Mohamed El-Sheikh — sit level with Ahly on 23 points, having played two more matches.
They began their campaign with a goalless draw against African champions Pyramids FC before claiming a 2-1 victory over Zamalek.
Their results have underlined the side’s physical strength and collective approach, which has posed problems for several opponents.
The newly promoted side will be aiming to extend their positive record against the league’s heavyweights, while Ahly will be wary of another stern test against resilient opponent.
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