For the first time in several years, the in-form Whites are favorites to win the top match amid their arch-rivals’ recent stumbling and change of management.

However, Hassan, a former long-serving Ahli player, doesn’t believe that Ahli’s form will have an impact on the December 30 clash.

“We will not look at Ahli’s poor form or staff change because their results doesn’t mean we are favorites,” Hassan, who joined Zamalek from Ahli two seasons ago, said.

“Ahli still have decent players who can make the difference. This match has no standards and the result cannot be predicted.

“We will prepare for the Ahli match normally because it’s only a three-point game. Now we are focused on our next match against Wadi Degla.”

Zamalek, who play Degla on December 24, are currently seven points clear of Ahli in the Egyptian Premier League table, but the latter have a game in hand.