By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport Online, Cairo

English Premier League fever has hit the land of the Pharaohs.

Three years ago, football debates focused only on the two main contenders of Egyptian football, Ahly and Zamalek.

A new era began when cable channel Arab Radio and Television Network started to broadcast foreign leagues like the German Bundesliga, and the Spanish Liga.

But, it was the Premier League that captured the hearts of the Egyptian football fans.

"There is a lot of action and excitement in the Premier League in addition to a high standard of football, the best players from all over the world, and a regular scene of full house stadiums," said Mido, a Newcastle fan.

"It is definitely the best competition in the world."

Premiership clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Leeds United, and West Ham attract great support.

But none as much as the Premier League title-holders, Arsenal, who gained their popularity because of the resemblance between them and Egypt's most popular club Al Ahly.

Both clubs are known for their long record of titles and the spirit of their players. Plus both play in red.

It even became natural for a great number of Ahly fans to attend their team's matches at Cairo stadium wearing Arsenal's jersey instead of their own club's.

One such fan is Amr Fahmy, who even attends Arsenal matches on regular basis.

He said: "Losing to Sunderland two years ago in the stadium of light was the worst day in my life."

Mohamed Sherif is an enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, who believes that the Red Devils should give more attention to their fans all over the world - and especially in Egypt.

"Last year, we had Real Madrid and this year Roma is playing Ahly," he said.

"I believe that Manchester United should come to Egypt next year instead of going only to the Far East."