The White Knights extended their advantage at the summit following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over rivals Pyramids FC on Sunday, keeping them top of the table with 40 points, equal with second-placed Pyramids and third-placed Ahly thanks to goal difference.
Title holders Ahly remain in third place with 37 points after drawing 1-1 with ZED FC on Saturday, rescued by a late strike from winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan.
Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal is eyeing another victory to end the current league phase at the top and stretch the team’s undefeated run to eight consecutive matches.
Under the league’s current format, the top seven teams will advance to a championship mini-league to decide the title, while the remaining 14 sides will enter a separate relegation group to determine the four teams dropping down.
However, Zamalek will be without suspended goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi and defender Mahmoud ‘El Wensh’ Hamdi, who remains sidelined due to injury.
On a positive note, the White Knights have received a double boost as veteran defender Omar Gaber and Palestinian winger Adam Kaeid have recovered from their injuries and are available for selection.
Ittihad of Alexandria, meanwhile, are desperate for a positive result to distance themselves from the relegation zone, as the Alexandria-based side currently sit 14th with 14 points.
The visitors will be hoping to secure their first win over the Cairo giants in nearly seven years, having failed to taste victory against Zamalek in the league since April 2018.
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