The Egyptian league champions, Ahly, are hoping for three points out of their clash with El-Masry clash in round 18 of the Egyptian Premier League. Victory would see them close the gap with their arch-rivals Zamalek and league leaders to just four points. Zamalek endured a goal less draw with ENNPI last Tuesday in the same round.

The Canal giants El-Masry are eighth in the table with 22 points as they are battling to book an advanced place in the league table when they host title holders, Ahly.

The Red Devils’ morale is high as they defeated Talaa El Gaish 1-0 in last week and they are eager to march on to complete a none-loss series to keep their favorite championship inside the club’s building.

Portuguese coach Manuel Jose is suffering from a lack of strikers as he will do without Mohamed Fadl who has been sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury he sustained during training. Young midfielder Ahmed Shokry is also unavailable due to fatigue after spending two days on trial with German side Hoffenheim who decided against persuing their interest in the Egyptian playmaker.

El-Masry tactician Tarek El-Sawy welcomes back his shot stopper Amir Abdel-Hamid in Friday’s game after recovering from a knee injury to do with his all utilities to achieve his main target of climbing the table.

Referee Mohamed Farouk has been appointed by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to officiate the game.