Zamalek vs Maqassa. Photo: Al-Ahram
The Whites are seven points ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC after playing 29 matches, and they could be celebrating the title if they win against Pharco FC on 19 August and Ittihad of Alexandria on 23 August.
Zamalek will aim to extend their outstanding unbeaten run against Maqassa as they have not been beaten in their last ten games, since their 1-0 loss to Talae El-Gaish on 17 May.
Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who will be watching from the stands due to suspension, will have to make some changes in his lineup to compensate for the absences of midfielder Emam Ashour and defender Hossam Abdel Meguid who are serving automatic bans for accumulated cards.
The veteran tactician may play Mahmoud Alaa, who has been warming the bench for a while, at the back and skipper Mahmoud ‘Shikabala’ Abdel Razik in the attack.
Ferreira has included young midfielder Mohamed El Khodari for the first time in the senior team as a backup option.
On the other side, bottom-side Maqassa are in a must-win situation in their unlikely bid to survive this season.
They have collected 15 points from 29 games and cannot drop any more points in their remaining five games to stay in the top flight.
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