AHLY

Mohamed Abou-Treika

He is the maestro. The classy Ahly playmaker is the most influential player of the team. He holds his team's key to success thanks to his neat, backline breaking passes and excellent vision.

He has been criticized by the media for some disappointing displays causing the whole team’s dig in form, but most recently the Ahly talisman seems on a fast track to recover his renowned form.

No better chance to bounce back than against arch-rivals Zamalek and the 32-year old gifted midfielder would be eager to hit the 100 milestone league goal on Thursday.

Mohamed Barakat

Despite an injury-plagued season, Mohamed Barakat is one of Ahly’s major threats. The 34-year old combines speed, talent, determination and a good flair on goal.

He has just recovered from a knee injury and played for 80 minutes against Arab Contractors in day 14 but couldn’t help his teammates avoid dropping two precious points 1-1 in Ahly’s title race.

Barakat was Ahly’s last scorer against Zamalek in the 105^th derby when he picked a rebound sparkled in the area to net the equalizer 3-3 in the dying minutes of the game; A performance he hopes to repeat.

ZAMALEK

Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’

Shikabala is the deadliest weapon of Egyptian soccer. He hit stardom over the past few weeks with his clear sweep at the top of Egyptian Premier League scorers’ chart with 9 goals.

Characterized by his dazzling tricks, neat footwork and goal-scoring instincts, the lively forward is a prized asset for his club. He is seen as the Messi of Egypt -- a comparison earned through some of his latest goals that left defenders and keepers stunned.

Coach Hossam Hassan is placing all his bets on his blistering wizard to end Ahly’s derby supremacy over the past six years.

Mahmoud Fathallah

The international defender is one of the Whites’ most important assets. He brings compactness and parsimony to their defense and is seen as the team’s leader.

He will be in charge of dominating Ahly’s forward Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ and keep him away of Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed’s nets.

Fathallah has also major contributions in attack as he scored four goals courtesy to a dominant areal display. He has never scored against Ahly but maybe his time has come.