Zamalek will be looking to continue their perfect run and end the first half of the Egyptian Premier League in style when they face lowly Nasr on Monday.

Although the White Knights failed to end their Cairo derby jinx after throwing away their lead to draw 1-1 with Ahly on Thursday, they remain eight points clear of their arch-rivals who still have a game in hand.

For Zamalek's fans, another derby draw was quite frustrating but caretaker coach Mohamed Salah was satisfied with the result that kept his side at the top of the league table, highlighting the importance of keeping their lead on the summit intact.

Salah, who took over following the shock resignation of Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco, might lead Zamalek for the last match before making way for a foreign boss, with veteran Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira favourite to occupy the hot-seat. Under his guidance, the club won three games and drew once. 

Zamalek should enjoy a smooth ride against the struggling Nasr, who lie third from bottom with 14 points from 18 games.

They will play Monday's game without striker Ahmed Ali, who sustained a hamstring injury during the derby, and Egyptian international keeper Ahmed El-Shennawy who is out with a flu. 

Suspended duo Khaled Qamar and Nigerian midfielder Maarouf Yussuf will also miss out as they still serve a one-month ban for signing for two clubs during the summer transfer window. They should be available when Zamalek take on challengers ENPPI next Sunday.

Left-back Ahmed Samir has been declared fit  and he is included in Salah's 19-man list for the game. having recovered from an injury that sidelined him for 45 days. 

Zamalek are leading the league table with 41 points, four ahead of second-placed ENPPI and eight clear of third-placed Ahly.

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