Ahly will be looking to cement their position on top of Group A when they face fourth-placed ENPPI in the Egyptian Premier League fourth week on Thursday.

With only two points separating the sides, Ahly are bracing themselves for their 22nd league meeting with ENPPI – who sealed top-flight promotion in 2002.

The 36-time league champions have seen off the petroleum outfit 19 times in all competitions, including three Super Cup titles and a semifinal Egypt Cup clash.

ENPPI, however, have managed to beat the Reds four times – including a memorable 1-0 victory in the last match of the 2002-03 season, which eventually helped archrivals Zamalek secure the league title.

They have played out only three draws in all their previous encounters.

Yedan could make debut

Ahly could see new summer-signing striker Moussa Yedan, who joined from Cameroon's Coton Sport, make his debut after being included in the squad for the first time.

The Burkina Faso frontman may deputise for the injured Emad Meteb who limped off during the 2-0 opening win over El-Entag El-Harby, less than two weeks ago.   

The Reds will also miss influential midfield duo Hossam Ashour and Rami Rabia – who have been out of action since the start of the season with injuries.

Despite being declared fit after recuperating from a pelvic problem, Ahmed Fathy will not be available as the Egypt full-back will be attending the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2013 awards in Lagos, Nigeria on 9 January.

But left-back Sayed Moawad is set to make his comeback from a hamstring injury, a setback that saw him miss Ahly's Club World Cup campaign back in December.

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