The stage is set for one of the most anticipated clashes of the Egyptian Premier League as Al-Masry hosts Al-Ahly at the Borg El-Arab Stadium on December 26, 2024. Both teams are aiming for supremacy, with Al-Masry entering the match with strong form and Al-Ahly desperate to reclaim their winning ways following two consecutive draws.
Al-Masry, currently sitting second in the league, has enjoyed a solid start to their campaign. After five matches, they boast three wins and two draws, accumulating 11 points and maintaining an impressive defensive record with four goals scored and none conceded. Their latest outing saw them share the points with Haras El-Hodoud, ending 0-0, which was viewed as a missed opportunity to seize the top spot.
On the other hand, Al-Ahly, often referred to as the 'Red Devils', finds themselves fourth with 8 points from four matches. They’ve had mixed results; though unbeaten, they have drawn two of their last four matches, including their most recent fixture against the National Bank of Egypt, which also ended 0-0. This has led to some concerns about their attacking form, particularly as their fans expect more from the squad aiming to defend their title.
Recent performances from Al-Ahly demonstrated their capability, highlighted by the stunning 6-1 victory over CS Belouizdad in the African Champions League, reaffirming their potential when on form. Nevertheless, coach Marcel Kohler has acknowledged the need for improvement within the league, particularly against teams like Al-Masry, who have proven challenging.
Head-to-head statistics reveal Al-Ahly's advantage over Al-Masry, having won 14 out of their last 22 encounters, with Al-Masry securing just three victories. From the last five meetings, only one match featured both teams scoring. Notably, Al-Ahly won both league games last season, pulling off dominant performances with scores of 4-0 at home and 1-0 away.
The squads for this match indicate strong starting lineups from both sides. For Al-Masry, coach Ali Maher’s setup includes Mahmoud Gad as goalkeeper, with Karim El-Eraky, Khalid Sobhi, and Baher El Mohammadi leading the defense. The midfield will feature Attidjikou Samadou and Mahmoud Hamada, pushing for support to attackers like Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Ahmed El-Karmouti.
Al-Ahly’s lineup is headlined by experienced players like Mohamed El-Shennawy and the dynamic front trio of Hussein El-Shahat, Wessam Abou Ali, and Percy Tau. The team is without Taher Mohamed Taher due to injury, but their depth and talent remain formidable.
Betting odds favor Al-Ahly to come out on top with odds around 1.85, but the recent form of both teams suggests this match could be tighter than expected. There’s cautious optimism about Al-Masry’s potential to not just draw but challenge for the win, particularly on their home turf. Betting enthusiasts are recommended to place their bets on "Total Under 2.5" at odds of 1.58, considering the strong defensive setups both teams present.
Kick-off is set for 19:00 local time, and with both teams eager to secure three points for differing reasons—Al-Masry for league dominance and Al-Ahly for redemption—this encounter promises to be both thrilling and decisive for the league standings.
