The match presents a tough challenge for the Red Devils, who are far from their usual form, against a Ceramica side sitting sixth in the table with 10 points from five games, six behind leaders Zamalek, who have played two more matches.
The defending champions have endured one of their worst starts in club history, securing just one win from their opening five games and currently sitting 16th with only six points.
Ahly began their league campaign with a 2-2 draw against Modern Sport, followed by a 4-1 victory over Pharco FC, their only win of the season so far.
A goalless draw with Ghazl El-Mahalla was followed by a 2-0 loss to Pyramids FC, which led to the departure of Spanish coach José Riveiro.
He was replaced by Egyptian assistant Emad El-Nahass, who has yet to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Ahly’s most recent result was a 1-1 draw against Enppi on Sunday, extending their winless run to three matches.
The pressure is mounting on the players, who have come under heavy criticism from the fans.
Another negative result could have serious consequences for the team’s morale and standings.
Ahly will be without key players for this crucial fixture.
Midfielder Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed is sidelined with a groin injury, while Emam Ashour, who had just returned from a three-month absence, has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A and will be out for several weeks.
Ashour’s absence is a blow to interim coach El-Nahass, who had hoped the midfielder would help spark the team’s recovery, especially given the inconsistent form of players like Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Tunisian international Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
However, El-Nahass will be boosted by the return of defenders Yassin Marei and Yasser Ibrahim, who will strengthen a backline that has conceded six goals in five matches.
Ceramica Cleopatra, under the guidance of coach Ali Maher, will not be an easy opponent for Ahly.
Like the Red Devils, Ceramica made a poor start to the season, losing 2-0 to Zamalek and drawing 0-0 with ZED FC.
But they quickly regained form, securing three consecutive wins over Enppi (2-0), Arab Contractors (1-0), and Smouha (1-0).
Ceramica boasts several key players, including South African striker Fagrie Lakay, Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Belhadj, and winger Eslam Issa.
A victory for Ceramica would lift them to third place, bringing them closer to the league summit which makes the game tougher for Ahly.
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