The Red Devils, currently languishing in tenth place with just 18 points from nine matches, are desperate for a turnaround. Recent setbacks, including a defeat to NBE and a frustrating draw with Smouha, have heaped pressure on the reigning champions, who must secure victory and start climbing the table to compensate for lost ground.
Adding to the tension, Ahly's manager Marcel Koller has issued a stark warning to his players that failure to secure a top-two finish by the halfway point of the season could result in a disastrous exclusion from the African Champions League.
Koller's concerns are compounded by a lengthy injury list, with key players Mohamed El-Shennawy, Yasser Ibrahim, Imam Ashour, Aliou Dieng, Hussein El-Shahat, Mohamed Daouda Christo, and Karim Nedved all unavailable, placing a heavy burden on the remaining squad members.
The fitness of influential duo Ali Maaloul and Percy Tau also remains uncertain, with both players set for a medical examination today.
On the other hand, ZED FC, currently holding fifth place in the league table with 24 points from 16 games, are eager to break free from their recent vortex of draws and secure a win against Ahly.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: