The Dervishes beat champions Ahli twice last season and they will be hoping to increase that run when they host the Cairo giants tonight.

Tensions could flare in the anticipating encounter, giving the off-field saga of Hosni Abd-Rabou, who wants to stay at Ismaili while Ahli claimed they bought him from France's Strasbourg.

After a board meeting on Wednesday, Al-Fakharani expressed his hope that Ismaili fans will behave properly in the important fixture.

"I hope Ismaili fans show support for their team and not irritate the visiting spectators," he said.

Ismaili coach Ismail Hefni will almost field a full-strength side, missing just Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Johnson due to suspension.

On the other hand, Ahli will be missing defensive duo Ahmed Al-Sayed and Emad Al-Nahhas as well as Angolan winger Gilberto, all because of injury.

Ahli are third in the league table with 17 points and one game in hand, five ahead of seventh-placed Ismaili.