Leaders Zamalek will be looking to make the most of Ahly not being in action as they meet Talae El-Geish in the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday.

Zamalek lie on top of the table on 48 points, seven clear of defending champions Ahly, who still have three matches in hand.

Ahly had several games postponed due to their African Champions League commitments. They meet South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the competition's quarter-final on Saturday, having taken a comfortable 2-0 first-leg advantage.

For Zamalek, winning their next three league matches in less than two weeks is of paramount importance. Should they do so, they will pull 16 points clear on top, leaving Ahly under pressure not to drop any points if they are to overtake their perennial Cairo rivals.

The White Knights defeated Enppi 3-1 in their previous game on Friday, a few days after they snatched a late 1-1 Cairo derby draw with Ahly.

"We have settled several vital games in our favour," said Zamalek's French coach Patrice Carteron, who also said he was happy his side would finally take some days to rest amid a hectic run of fixtures.

Zamalek defeated El-Geish, who lie 11th in the 18-team table on 27 points, 3-0 in the reverse league fixture in January.

The Cairo giants will miss playmaker Youssef Ibrahim, left-back Abdallah Gomaa and central defender Mahmoud Alaa due to injuries as well as veteran winger Mahmoud Shikabala and attacking midfielder Emam Ashour, who are both suspended.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)