USM Alger will look to seize a vital advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup final when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Saturday.
Alger head into the final in solid form, remaining undefeated in their last four matches across all competitions and their most recent outing saw them secure a 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in the Algerian Cup final on April 30.
The Algerian side advanced to the Confederation Cup final after edging out Moroccan side Olympic Safi on the away goals rule (1-1 aggregate) and are eyeing a third continental trophy following their 2023 Confederation Cup and Super Cup successes.
Zamalek, meanwhile, have been inconsistent leading into the decider, registering just their second win in four matches with a narrow 1-0 victory over Smouha on May 5, which ended a two-match winless streak.
The Egyptian giants reached the final by eliminating Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate and are targeting a record-equalling third Confederation Cup title.
USM Alger are expected to have a fully fit squad available with no reported suspensions or major injuries, allowing coach Lamine N’Diaye to select his strongest team for the first-leg clash.
Zamalek will be without several key players due to injury with Omar Gaber, Ahmed Hossam, Juan Bezerra (pelvic injury), Mohamed El-Sayed (ankle sprain) and Mahmoud Bentayg (cut wound) doubtful after recent setbacks.
Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida will take charge of the first leg in Algeria, while Gabonese official Pierre Atcho has been appointed for the second leg in Egypt on May 16.
