Cairo Derby preview: Can Al Ahly defense stops Zamalek's energetic attacking line?

CAIRO - 21 January 2022: It is the time for the game that every footballer wants to play in and every football fan in Egypt wants to watch, it is the time for the Cairo derby. 

All eyes will be on Cairo Stadium at 20:30 (Cairo Time) when the biggest two teams in the Middle East face off for another mouth watering match. 

The Red Eagles, Al Ahly, are in a better position as they are leading the table with 31 points, five points clear off Zamalek who are fourth in the table behind Future (30 points) and Pyramids (27 points). 

Al Ahly players also booked their place in the 2022 Egyptian Cup final while Zamalek were knocked out of the competition in the semi-final against Pyramids. 

However, these games are special and you cannot predict the outcome of the game based on the pre-game facts. 

Zamalek have a talented and energetic attacking line and their manager, Jesualdo Ferreira, is expected to start the game with Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Youssef Osama and Seifeddine Jaziri. 

Al Ahly's defensive partnership is the main problem ahead of the match as they have Ramy Rabia as the only available defender for the game with their right back Mohamed Hany is expected to join him in the defense, giving the chance to the team's new signing, Khaled Abdelfattah, to start in the right flank. 

Zamalek's victory could be a turning point for the White Knights who are struggling this season if they managed to avoid a loss that could give their rivals a boost in their journey to win the title after two years of suffering.