Ahli are seeking to ensure their Egyptian Premier League leadership on Monday by registering a victory at Ghazl Mahalla, who are trying to stay clear of the relegation zone. The Red Devils will have to do without influential duo Mohamed Barakat and Ahmed Hassan. Mercurial midfielder Barakat has been ruled out of the trip with a hamstring problem sustained in Thursday's 2-1 victory over Telecom Egypt. Hassan, on the other hand, is still nursing the ankle problem he suffered last month in Egypt's World Cup qualifier with Zambia. Hussein Ali and Hussein Yasser were included, but are unlikely to start for Manuel Jose's team. Forward Hani Al-Egeizi was also excluded from the squad after picking up a pelvic injury in training. Goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid has yet to recover from a hamstring injury and was ruled out once again. The international goalie hasn't featured for the six-time African champions since February 22nd. Defending champions Ahli are at the top of the league table with 51 points, three ahead of second-placed Ismaili who will face Arab Contractors on the same day. Relegation Fears Mahalla are expected to put up an uphill struggle in the game to guarantee a spot in the safety zone. The Peasants lie 12th in the league table with 28 points, only four points clear of the relegation mire. "We need to claim all three points. The players know well that being on 28 points doesn't mean we are safe," Mahalla coach Sherif Al-Kashab told FilGoal.com. Curiously, Mahalla sealed just a single win in their last seven home clashes, which suggest their home advantage won't make much of a difference. Their squad, however, is almost complete, as Emad Osman is the only unexpected absentee for collecting his third caution. Trio Abdul-Hamid Shabana, Nader Al-Ashri and Abdul-Hamid Taha are set to make their comeback after serving suspensions. Youths Salah Soliman, Ahmed Magdi and Marzouk Salah are on international duty with Egypt U-20, who are currently preparing for the World Cup.
