The all-Egyptian derby takes place on Sunday, with both teams looking for their first group stage win, a few days after Ahli were crowned Super Cup champions.

"I watched Ahli's recent games with (Heartland and Harras Hodoud) and I expect them to make changes against us," Wotte told FilGoal.com.

"Al-Badri had some players missing against Hodoud and he could well surprise us with their presence in the match."

Ahli are expected to have Egypt duo Ahmed Fathi and Geddo back from suspension against the Dervishes, with the latter poised to make his debut despite a domestic ban.

Similarly, Wotte could hand debuts to some fresh recruits, following a handful of late close-season acquisitions last week.

Ismaili brought in strikers Mostafa Gaafar, Godwin Ndubuisi(Nigeria) Luwamo Garcia(Angola) and Abdessalam Benjelloun(Morocco), who are all pushing for places against Ahli.