Al Ahly and Zamalek line-ups still take shape before Egyptian Premier League derby

Al Ahly and Zamalek meet at Cairo International Stadium in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League, with both clubs on 13 points and trailing leaders Pyramids.

The derby is expected to attract close attention as both teams continue to weigh up their final selection decisions. Several positions remain uncertain, particularly in Al Ahly’s defence and midfield, while Zamalek are still waiting to learn whether striker Edi Dabbagh will be fit to play.

Ahmed Shobier outlined the likely Al Ahly line-up, while stressing that competition remains open for places in central defence and at left-back. The club are also yet to decide which player will partner Marwan Attia in midfield.

Most of the expected team is understood to have taken shape. Mustafa Shobeir is set to start in goal, with Mohamed Hany, Yassin Marei and Marwan Attia among the players closest to selection.

Shobier said Ashraf Dari and Hady Riyad were competing for one of the centre-back positions, while Karim Fouad remained under consideration at left-back.

The projected Al Ahly line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mustafa Shobeir

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Hady Riyad, Yassin Marei, Tawfik Mohamed

Midfielders: Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Hussein El Shahat

Forwards: Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Sofyan Benjida, Achraf Bencharki

Shobier said Zamalek’s line-up appeared to be clearer, although there was still a decision to be made between Ahmed Fotouh and Ahmed Rabie in midfield.

The main doubt concerns Edi Dabbagh. The striker is suffering from a cold and, according to Shobier, his chances of featuring remain evenly balanced at 50%, leaving both participation and non-participation as possible outcomes.

If Dabbagh is unavailable, Zamalek could turn to Ahmed Sherif or Esho in attack.

The projected Zamalek side is:

Goalkeeper: Mehdi Soliman

Defenders: Omar Gaber, Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh, Mohamed Ismail, Mahmoud Bentayg

Midfielders: Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabie, Abdullah El Said

Forwards: Chico Banza, Edi Dabbagh, Hossam Ashraf

The expected line-ups were outlined by Ahmed Shobier on 10 October 2026, ahead of a meeting between two sides level on points and separated only by their position behind Pyramids in the early league standings.