Ahmed Yasser Rayan leads National Bank of Egypt attack against Zamalek

Ahmed Yasser Rayan will start in attack for National Bank of Egypt against Zamalek in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League, with the match taking place at Cairo International Stadium at 20:00.

Rayan will form part of a front three alongside Mostafa Shalaby and Yaw Annor as National Bank of Egypt look to claim their first points of the season.

The club will be without Mahmoud El-Gazzar and Osama Faisal, who both miss the game because of injury. FilGoal.com previously reported that Faisal is suffering from a torn adductor muscle, while El-Gazzar has a thigh injury.

Brazilian Anderson Sierra is among the substitutes after coming off the bench in National Bank of Egypt’s opening match against Abu Qir Fertilizers.

National Bank of Egypt began the season with a 1-0 defeat by Abu Qir Fertilizers. Zamalek, meanwhile, have one point after being held to a goalless draw by Al Ittihad Alexandria.

National Bank of Egypt’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Abdel Aziz El Balouty

Defenders: Ahmed Metwally, Mohamed Nasr, Daw Cyril and Mohamed Reda

Midfielders: Rashad El Metwally, Ali Hamdy and Mohamed Nasser

Forwards: Mostafa Shalaby, Ahmed Yasser Rayan and Yaw Annor

The substitutes are Ahmed Sobhy, Sayed Abdallah, Khaled Sayed, Salah Bouchama, Amir Medhat, Ahmed Madbouly, Francisco Sierra, Ahmed Amin Qafa and Mohamed Ashraf.

The match gives both sides an opportunity to improve on their opening results. National Bank of Egypt will be aiming to recover from their narrow loss to Abu Qir Fertilizers, while Zamalek will be seeking their first victory after beginning their campaign with a draw against Al Ittihad Alexandria.

The absence of Faisal removes one of National Bank of Egypt’s attacking options, with his adductor injury ruling him out alongside El-Gazzar’s thigh problem. Rayan will therefore lead the attack from the start, supported by Shalaby and Annor.

Sierra is again set to begin on the bench after his substitute appearance in the opening fixture. His inclusion among the replacements provides National Bank of Egypt with an attacking option during the match, while the starting line-up is otherwise led by Rayan in the central forward role.

Zamalek will arrive at Cairo International Stadium having taken a point from their first league match, but National Bank of Egypt will be looking to make home advantage count and move on from their defeat in the opening round.