The Egyptian champions are still suffering from a depleted defense and have to cope with the absence of Emad Al-Nahhas and Ahmed Sayed.

On the brighter side, Ahli coach Manuel Jose has an abundance of forwards on hand, which could help the team regain their scoring skills.

Angolan Flavio Amado and winger Tarek Al-Saied are also back from injury, giving Jose more attacking options.

An effortless Ahli won their opening game against Tanta 2-0, courtesy of goals from Emad Meteb and Wael Gomaa.

Contractors' coach Taha Basri, formerly in charge of ENPPI, has always been a thorn in Ahli's side, which should make opposite number Jose on alert.

Basri's men managed a 1-1 draw against Ittihad Alexandria in their first game and will want to build on that with a win over Ahli.

Arab Contractors excel in their defensive strategies and are very dangerous on the break, which could threaten Ahli keeper Essam Al-Hadari who has kept a clean sheet in local competitions for over 1182 minutes.