Zamalek have better chances to win the derby, Essam Marie

CAIRO-22 August 2020: Former Zamalek midfielder Essam Marie believes that Zamalek are the favourites to win the derby against Al Ahly. 

 

"Zamalek have the better chances to win the derby." Marie said on Friday. 

 

Zamalek are struggling this season on domestic level as they come third at the table with 39 points and they are 17 points behind the leaders Al Ahly. 

 

However, the derby games' result does not depend on the teams' performances during the season or their position in the table. 

 

Marie added "Zamalek manager Patrice Carteron knows how to win the big games. I think he will count on his experienced players and will keep the fresh legs of the team youngsters, who played in the recent weeks, beside him on the bench." 

 

Zamalek manager decided to announce the team squad for the game on Saturday. 

 

Zamalek will miss the team's energetic left back Abdullah Gomaa for suspension. However, Marie believes that his absence will not affect the team's performance.

 

"He is a very important player and I would like to have him in a big game like the derby but the team's veteran defender Mohammed Abdelshafy will be ready to replace him" 

 

The game starts at 9:00 pm.