Pyramids FC, who were written off as title challengers after a poor start to the season, will be looking to cling to their faint Egyptian Premier League hopes when they meet leaders Zamalek on Sunday.

Despite once again spending big in the summer to bolster their squad, Pyramids appeared shaky this term, with their defence in particular coming in for fierce criticism after proving vulnerable on many occasions.

However, they have improved of late, winning three consecutive matches in the Egyptian league and African Confederation Cup.

Their recent form, couple with stumbles by main title challengers Ahly and Zamalek, should give Pyramids renewed hope that they can still make it a three-horse race for the premier domestic competition.

Zamalek top the table with 40 points from 18 matches, followed by Ahly with 37 points from 16 matches and Pyramids with 30 points from 18 matches.

Pyramids have already held Zamalek and Ahly to draws earlier in the season and they will be looking to go one better this time around.

They are fresh from beating Tanzania's Namungo 1-0 in an African Confederation Cup dead-rubber last week, having secured their progress to the knockout stage with one match to spare in their group.

"This victory gives us a confidence boost before we face Zamalek in this important league fixture," Pyramids' Argentinean coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena said.

For Zamalek, a victory would be important to make up for a 2-2 draw with Arab Contractors on Thursday, in which they once again threw away their lead.

The match against Pyramids also marks the first of a tough league run for Zamalek that includes games against Alexandria-based club Smouha and Ahly in the Cairo derby, scheduled for 10 May.

Pyramids will miss Palestinian striker Mahmoud Wadi due to injury while Zamalek welcome back influential central defender Mahmoud El-Wensh after he recovered from a knee problem.

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