The Red Devils are buoyed after moving within touching distance of becoming the first team to win a hat-trick of straight Champions League titles, but their ever-demanding fans are also unlikely to accept another domestic failure.

Last season, Ahly surrendered a comfortable lead on top to allow perennial Cairo rivals Zamalek to eventually pip them to the title.

Despite their continental exploits, which saw Ahly reach the Champions League final with an impressive 6-2 aggregate win over Algeria's ES Setif, they have recently struggled in the premier domestic competition.

They have found it difficult to break down defensive-minded teams, having slumped to a surprise 1-0 loss to Masry before being held to two draws by Talae El-Geish and Ceramica Cleopatra.

Ahly were given a let-off though after main challengers Zamalek and Pyramids FC stumbled.

Zamalek suffered a stunning 2-0 defeat by Enppi while Pyramids were held to a goalless draw by top-flight debutants Pharco FC.

Defending champions Zamalek top the table with 41 points, two ahead of Pyramids and eight clear of Ahly, but the latter still have four games in hand.

Ahly are expected to face a stiff test against NBE, who held them to two draws last season, including one that proved crucial in allowing Zamalek to overtake them. NBE lie seventh in the table with 24 points.

The Cairo giants will have to deal with a shortage of options in midfield, with their three regular central midfielders -- Amr El-Sulaya, Aliou Dieng and Hamdi Fathi -- out through injuries.

Central defender Yasser Ibrahim was also ruled out with a hamstring complaint.

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