The Dervishes reignited their league hopes with an impressive 5-1 victory over Arab Contractors last week to move to within one point of leaders Ahli, who have a game in hand.

But doubts still linger over whether Ismaili, who won the last of their three titles in 2002, can cause an upset and overtake rivals Ahli, who are eyeing a fifth consecutive league triumph.

Although their free-flowing football is entertaining to many, Ismaili's fluctuating results are proving a hindrance.

"We will compete for the title until the very last minute," Ismaili assistant coach Ahmed Al-Agouz said, backtracking on comments he made a week earlier in which he said there was no hope his side would dethrone Ahli.

"The technical staff is trying to help the players cope with the psychological pressure that will accompany them in the remaining league games."

Ismaili boss Ricardo Ferreira has a fully-fit squad to choose from against Ittihad, who are not battling against relegation unlike the past few seasons.

Toothless Attack

The Brazilian tactician will have to find a solution for Ismaili's toothless attack.

The team's talented and energetic midfielders easily create goalscoring opportunities but a lack of cutting edge cost them several wins during the course of the season.

"We will not be able to achieve our targets unless we solve this problem," Al-Agouz commented.

Although Iraqi striker Mostafa Karim is Ismaili's top scorer with nine goals, he has rarely made the starting line-up since Ricardo took over in September last year.

Mohamed Mohsen Abou-Greisha, who returned to Ismaili in January after a brief spell at Chinese side Zhejiang Lucheng, usually plays as a lone striker although he is yet to impress.