Arab Contractors vs Al Masry: Prediction, H2H and probable line-ups — 19 February 2026
On Thursday, February 19, at the Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium in Cairo, Arab Contractors will host one of the top contenders, Al Masry from Port Said. This is a match of the 18th round, and the teams' objectives in the league are currently at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Match preview
Arab Contractors are enduring an extremely tough season and are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, sitting 16th in the table. Mohamed Mekki's side can't seem to find any stability: they've collected just 16 points from 17 matches. However, there has been a glimmer of progress in recent rounds—a victory over Wadi Degla (1-0) has given fans hope for survival. At home, the "Contractors" try to play gritty, defensive football, knowing that going toe-to-toe with league leaders is a losing battle. Their main attacking hope lies in experience and set pieces.
Al Masry, under the guidance of Nabil Kouki, are in fifth place and are seriously chasing a spot in the African competitions. The team has 25 points from 15 games, trailing fourth-placed Al Ahly by just five points. Al Masry boast an excellent balance between defense and attack. They rarely concede and are adept at turning the screws on opponents in the second half. Although the "Greens" have drawn frequently on the road lately, facing a relegation struggler, they are clearly eyeing all three points. The psychological edge is firmly with the visitors.
Tactically, expect a classic scenario: Al Masry will take control of possession and methodically try to break down the hosts' packed defense. Arab Contractors will focus on counterattacks and do everything to slow the tempo. If the home side can keep a clean sheet through the first half, the game could become very tense for the favorites.
Probable line-ups
Arab Contractors: Abou El Saoud, Wael, Eldin, Alaa, Ochaya, El Shimi, Hamed, Saviola, Hinestroza, Salem, Niass
Al Masry: Gad, El Mohamady, Moussa, Dabash, Saadawy, Hamada, Jelassi, Gaber, Mohsen, Ben Youssef, Gnaou
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five matches, Leipzig have claimed three wins and two draws
- Arab Contractors have won four of their last five games, conceding in four of them
- Al Masry have won only once in their last five matches
Prediction
In recent matches, Arab Contractors have allowed their opponents to attack, but have also been dangerous going forward themselves. I expect a high-scoring game; my prediction: total over (2) at 1.72
