Both sides are struggling for stability in a clash that remains wide open, despite Zamalek’s slight edge in form.
The derby, often unpredictable regardless of recent performances, comes at a time when both Egyptian giants are far from their best.
Zamalek, sitting atop the league, have shown flashes of quality but have failed to build momentum.
Ahly, meanwhile, are enduring one of their worst domestic starts in recent memory.
Despite a high-profile summer recruitment drive – including Egypt international star Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, former Zamalek ace Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed and Tunisian international midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane – Ahly have collected just 12 points from seven games, dropping nine of a possible 21.
Those poor results led to the dismissal of Spanish head coach Jose Reviero.
His assistant, Emad El-Nahass, has stepped in on an interim basis and will take charge of the derby.
While results have slightly improved under El-Nahass – with two wins and a draw in three matches – the team’s performances remain largely unconvincing.
Ahly beat Ceramica Cleopatra 1-0, edged Harras El-Hodoud 3-2, and were held to a 1-1 draw by Enppi.
A derby victory could serve as El-Nahass's parting gift, with reports suggesting the club is close to appointing a permanent replacement after the derby.
Currently eighth in the table, Ahly trail Zamalek by five points with a game in hand.
A win would not only close the gap but also revive their push for a top-four spot.
El-Nahass will be relying heavily on the form of Trezeguet, who has scored in each of the past three matches.
He also hopes Ben Romdhane can regain his best form, given his potential to influence big matches.
The availability of Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki and Zizo remains uncertain.
Bencharki may be sacrificed for a more cautious midfield setup, while Zizo is just returning from a hamstring injury and is unlikely to start.
Both could be kept in reserve as impact substitutes.
Ahly will be without Slovenian striker Nejc Gradišar, sidelined with a muscle injury.
That leaves Mohamed Sherif, who has yet to hit top form, as the sole striking option.
However, the 29-year-old boasts an impressive derby record with eight goals in 12 league appearances against Zamalek.
At the back, Ahly’s vulnerabilities have been costly – eight goals conceded in seven matches.
Defensive lapses, both individually and collectively, have left the team exposed, and tightening the backline will be a major challenge for El-Nahass.
Zamalek search for consistency
Zamalek, buoyed by their place at the summit, approach the derby with a slender advantage but continue to battle inconsistency.
They have yet to string together three consecutive wins this season and their 1-1 draw with Gouna on Tuesday highlighted their erratic form.
After a dominant first half, the White Knights conceded a late equalizer, a familiar scenario that has seen them drop seven points in eight games.
Belgian coach Yannick Ferreira has done well with a squad lacking big names.
Veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Saed continues to impress at 40, providing vision and experience in midfield.
Brazilian winger Juan Alvina has been a key attacking threat with his pace and directness on the right flank, though his influence tends to fade during matches.
He will be joined by creative midfielder Nasser Maher and in-form Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh, who has scored three goals in his last three appearances.
Dabbagh’s relentless movement has been crucial in unsettling defenses.
Defensively, Zamalek have shown more organization than their rivals but are still prone to errors.
Summer signing Mohamed Ismael has impressed since stepping in for the suspended Mahmoud ‘El-Wensh’ Hamdi, and is likely to keep his place alongside Hossam Abdel-Meguid despite El-Wensh’s return from a three-match ban.
Zamalek will be keen to cement their place at the top of the table, though a draw might suffice in what promises to be a closely contested derby.
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