Ahli's talismanic playmaker Abou-Treika has been struggling for quite a while to hit peak form, having suffered from fitness problems.

He was also trying to overcome his 'mental anguish' that he once cited as a reason for his poor form.

The 32-year-old, however, seemed to be in a better shape during Ahli's last league meeting with Harras Hodoud, hitting a brace against the military side.

Abou-Treika's double took his overall scoring tally to 99 goals.

Not only will scoring his 100th goal against Contractors be a personal feat, but it will also give his team a much-needed boost ahead of the Cairo derby with Zamalek on December 30th.

The former Tersana man scored four goals in his last three matches. Ahli will definitely need him to be on song while taking on their arch-rivals Zamalek

Ironically, Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan, one of the greatest-ever Egyptian footballer, hit his 100th goal against Contractors in the 1999-2000 season.

Team News

Ahli's 17-year-old youngster Rami Hesham 'Rabiea' is expected to be fielded as a defender, with Wael Gomaa and Sherif Abdul-Fadil out due suspension and technical reasons respectively.

Rabiea made his senior team debut against Hodoud and was quite impressive when was deployed as a holding midfielder.

Midfield duo Mohamed Barakat and Hossam Ashour are set to return to action against Contractors after reaching full recovery.

Goalie Ahmed Adel was named in the squad too after recuperating from a nagging knee injury.

Ahli, who have one more game in hand, are in fifth place with 23 points, seven adrift of leaders Zamalek.

The Red Devils haven't lost to Contractors in 15 years.