Al-Ahli's Bold Attack in Saudi League Clash Against Al-Riyadh

Marino Pusic has gone on the front foot.

The Al-Ahli coach has named a bold, attacking XI for today’s Saudi league clash with Al-Riyadh, leaning on a high-profile front three and plenty of creativity behind them in this fifth-round fixture.

Al-Ahli go heavy in attack

Pusic has unleashed an eye-catching trident of Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney, a trio built for direct running, width and penalty-box presence. With that mix, Al-Ahli look set to play on the front foot from the first whistle.

Behind them, Edward Spertsyan starts as the chief supply line, with Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko offering legs and balance in midfield. It’s a setup that suggests Al-Ahli want to dominate the ball and pin Al-Riyadh deep.

Edouard Mendy anchors the side in goal, protected by a back four of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid. Ibanez’s aggression and Mendy’s authority give the side a solid spine to build from.

Al-Ahli starting XI:
Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko, Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.

Al-Riyadh look to stand firm

Al-Riyadh answer with a more measured lineup, one that looks built to absorb pressure and strike when the chance comes.

Milan Borjan starts between the posts, shielded by Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. Victor Lekhal sits in midfield, with Fahad Jizani, Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offering energy and options between the lines, while Hassan Al-Ali leads the line.

Al-Riyadh starting XI:
Milan Borjan; Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal, Sulaiman Hazazi; Fahad Jizani, Victor Lekhal, Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri, Hassan Al-Ali.

One side loaded with firepower, the other braced to resist. The lineups are in; now it’s down to who executes.