Al Ahly and Pyramids are stepping up preparations for their Egyptian Premier League meeting on 23 November, while Zamalek are also adjusting their plans ahead of a ninth-round fixture that could have a significant impact on the race at the top of the table.
The league has been suspended during the November international break, but the leading clubs have continued working towards its resumption, with the next round scheduled to begin on Monday, 23 November.
The meeting between Al Ahly and leaders Pyramids is the standout fixture, while third-placed Zamalek will travel to face El Gouna at Khaled Bishara Stadium.
With only four points separating the top three after eight rounds, the results could reshape the standings and intensify the competition for the title.
Tight race at the top of the table
Pyramids lead the standings with 24 points after winning all eight of their opening matches.
Al Ahly occupy second place on 20 points, having recorded six victories and two draws. Zamalek are third with 19 points from six wins, one draw and one defeat.
Ceramica Cleopatra complete the top four, sitting one point behind Zamalek after collecting six wins.
The narrow gap between the leading sides has increased the importance of the ninth round, particularly the meeting between Al Ahly and Pyramids. A victory for the Cairo club would bring them within one point of the leaders, while a win for Pyramids would extend their advantage.
Zamalek change their preparations
Zamalek’s technical staff, led by Moataz Gamal, have revised the team’s programme for the international break, deciding to play just one friendly match before the league resumes.
The White Knights are scheduled to face National Bank in a training match at 16:00 on Tuesday, 17 November.
The decision followed the cancellation of a planned friendly against Al-Ittihad Alexandria, which had been scheduled for Sunday. The Alexandria side had to withdraw from the arrangement because of their Egypt Cup round-of-16 fixture against El Gouna on 18 November.
Gamal is understood to be keen to maintain his players’ fitness without placing them under unnecessary physical pressure or increasing the risk of injuries before their trip to El Gouna.
Zamalek will face El Gouna on Monday evening, 23 November, at Khaled Bishara Stadium. The club will be looking for three points to protect or improve its position among the leading teams.
Al Ahly focus on Pyramids encounter
Al Ahly’s preparations are centred on the much-anticipated meeting with Pyramids at Cairo International Stadium, where the sides are due to kick off at 20:00 on Monday, 23 November.
The Red Devils, coached by Moroccan manager Hussein Ammouta, approach the fixture after recording a 3-0 victory over El Sekka El Hadid in the round of 32 of the Egypt Cup.
That result has lifted the team’s confidence ahead of the challenge of facing the league leaders. Al Ahly will be aiming to end Pyramids’ perfect start to the campaign and reduce the difference between the clubs to a single point.
The club’s international players are expected to return to group training on 19 November, giving the coaching staff time to prepare the squad for the encounter.
Pyramids, meanwhile, will look to build on their run of eight consecutive league victories. Another win would take their points tally to 27 and increase their lead over Al Ahly to seven points.
Emam Ashour closing in on a return
Al Ahly could also receive a boost with midfielder Emam Ashour moving closer to a return for the Pyramids match.
A source at the club told “Yalla Kora” that Ashour is nearing a comeback after showing encouraging form in training.
The source added that the midfielder’s physical condition has improved compared with the previous period, increasing the likelihood that he will be available for the important fixture.
Ashour’s progress comes at a significant moment for Al Ahly, who are preparing for a match that could have a major influence on the title race.
With the ninth round approaching, the leading clubs are making their final adjustments. Al Ahly’s meeting with Pyramids and Zamalek’s trip to El Gouna are among the fixtures expected to shape the standings when Egyptian Premier League action resumes.
