The Alexandria-based club handed Ahli their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 victory on Thursday, thanks to a brace from Abdul-Hamid Hassan.

Ittihad will be without Youssef Hamdi, Mohamed Sharaf and Sameh Youssef when they face Al-Gaish.

The trio also missed Ahli clash for unspecified reasons. Reports claim that Basri opted to exclude them after their series of disappointing displays lately.

A win for Ittihad over the military club will further enhance their chance of staying in the top flight.

Ittihad, who were recently considered as one of the firm favorites to be relegated, lie 12th in the league table with 26 points, just one ahead of the relegation zone.

They haven't been relegated to the second division since the 1961/1962 season.

On the other hand, Al-Gaish will be looking to regain their position as runners-up.

Zamalek are second with 47 points. Al-Gaish have the same amount but lie third due to their inferior goal difference.

Both sides battle to finish second in order to claim the final CAF Champions League qualifying spot.