Photo courtesy of Zamalek FC
Zamalek lead the table with 43 points, level with Pyramids FC, who have played one game more.
Victory over ENPPI would move the Cairo club three points clear at the summit as they conclude their first-round campaign.
A win would also allow Zamalek to open a six-point gap over arch-rivals Ahly, who were beaten 2-1 by Talaea El Gaish on Monday.
Under the league’s current format, the top seven teams advance to a mini-league to determine the champion, while the remaining 14 sides enter a separate competition to decide the four relegation places.
Zamalek will enter the match with a full squad except for defensive midfielder Mohamed Shehata, who was sent off against Ittihad of Alexandria.
Ahmed Rabie is expected to replace him against ENPPI.
Coach Moatamed Gamal will rely on the good form of Brazilian winger Juan Alveina and striker Nasser Mansi, who have produced a series of strong displays in recent matches.
Mansi scored the winner against Ittihad of Alexandria and has emerged as a key figure in Gamal’s tactical setup.
The coach will hope for a more convincing performance than the one against Ittihad Alexandria, when the visitors threatened repeatedly, including a late curling effort that came close to snatching a dramatic equalizer.
ENPPI, meanwhile, will aim to continue their revival after back-to-back wins over Masry (3-2) and Kahrabaa Ismailia (2-1).
Those victories ended a seven-game winless run and lifted the side to eighth place with 27 points.
A win on Wednesday could move the petroleum club into the top seven at the expense of Wadi Degla, who have 29 points.
Recent quotes by the club’s president sparked controversy after he said he would prefer his side not to join the group competing for the title, arguing that the team is still under construction for next season and would stand little chance against the league’s leading sides.
Nevertheless, defeating the league leaders remains a target for ENPPI, who have shown signs of improvement under coach Hamza El‑Gamal.
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