Boosted by the return of Gedo, Cairo giants Ahly will be seeking to remain on top when they face unbeaten rival Ittihad of Alexandria in the 9th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday.

Despite their recent below-par performances, Ahly are currently sharing Group A's summit with Arab Contractors – 15 points for each side, but Arab Contractors has a better goal difference.

With several key players out since the season's start due to injuries or retirement, Ahly has struggled recently, conceding two successive defeats before getting a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ghazl El-Mahalla in the last round.  

"Beating Mahalla and claiming all three points was more important than our display," Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef said after the match.

Youssef, who led Ahly to the African Champions League title last year, added that "it was very important to win after two successive defeats. This is what matters most for us."

Fourth-placed Ittihad will be aiming to keep its clean sheet as they haven't been defeated since the league's start – two wins and five draws.

French coach Denis Lavanis, who took charge of Ittihad two weeks after the season's start, said that Ittihad will not be holding back in the match.

"I know Ahly well and its humble displays in recent matches doesn’t reflect its real performance," said Lavanis.

"We will come to Cairo to return the three points and we will attack and will not adapt a defensive strategy," he added.

Gedo's return boosts Ahly

The Red Devils, Ahly, will be boosted by the return of forward Mohamed Nagy 'Gedo', who missed the team's last two matches due to injury.

Ahly's attacking line is already suffering the absence of veteran striker Emad Meteb, who is still recovering from muscular injury, but youngster forward Amr Gamal has recently caught attention, scoring three goals in seven appearances.

The team's defence line will also be missing experienced stopper Wael Gomaa due to suspension, along with right-back Ahmed Fathi, out with an injury.

Ittihad prepares Ahly for Super Cup

Beating Ittihad and then winning the Gouna clash in the coming round will be a great boost for Ahly ahead of the anticipated CAF Super Cup match against Tunisian side Sfaxien on 20 February.

Despite the importance of the match, which will be played at Cairo Stadium, Ahly is only focusing on the league matches.

"We only are only concentrating on winning league matches against Ittihad and Gouna and keeping our position at the group's summit and then we will think about the Super Cup," Ahly boss Youssef said.

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