In the 7th round of the Egyptian Premier League, Al Ahly will face Ceramica Cleopatra at Al Salam Stadium on Friday. Here’s a look at what to expect from the match.
Match Preview
Al Ahly is currently in 16th place, having had a disappointing start to the season. They have only gathered 6 points from five matches and have already lost at home, which is unusual for this well-established club. Their current form is worrying, particularly in the attack, where they have had alternating performances of scoring and not scoring at all.
However, Al Ahly has a strong historical advantage, winning 10 of their last 12 matches against Ceramica. This record brings some confidence as they prepare to play at home. The key challenge for them is to improve their defense to avoid further point losses.
Ceramica Cleopatra has had a much better start to the season and currently stands 4th in the league. They have achieved three wins in five matches and have a solid defense, conceding only two goals. Their away performance is also commendable, with a win and a draw indicating their ability to stay focused while on the road.
The strengths of Ceramica lie in their discipline and efficiency in taking advantage of the few chances they get. Under Maher’s direction, they play a calculated style of football, avoiding open-play exchanges but excel at punishing mistakes by their opponents. Against Al Ahly, Ceramica will likely use the pressure from the home side to their advantage, focusing on quick counter-attacks.
Probable Lineups
- Al Ahly: El Shenawy, Fouad, Ramadan, Dari, Kamal, Ben Romdhane, Dieng, Bencharki, Zizo, Trezeguet, Gradishar
- Ceramica Cleopatra: Bassam, Hani, Samir, Nabil, El-Saed, El-Solia, Amr, Issa, Belhadji, Mukka, Lakay
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Al Ahly has won 10 of their last 12 encounters with Ceramica.
- Ceramica has maintained five consecutive clean sheets in away league matches.
- Each of Al Ahly’s last three home Premier League games has featured under 2.5 goals.
Prediction
Al Ahly will need to take charge and use their home advantage effectively, but their current form raises doubts. Ceramica’s stable and disciplined approach, coupled with a strong defense, may pose significant challenges for the hosts.