Al-Ahli's Bold Attack: Bosic's Trident vs Al-Riyadh

Mario Bosic has wasted no time raising the stakes. For Al-Ahli’s fifth-round clash in the Saudi league against Al-Riyadh this Friday, the coach has rolled out a front line that screams intent.

Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno and Ivan Toney all start together, a high-octane trio tasked with driving Al-Raqi forward in what already feels like a statement selection.

Behind them, Edouard Mendy anchors the side from goal, protected by a back four of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Bulaihid. It’s a blend of physicality and composure, built to allow the attacking players to stay high and aggressive.

In midfield, Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko offer the engine, while Edward Spertsyan is handed the creative keys between the lines. If Bosic wants control and incision, this is the sort of balance that should let his wide men and Toney thrive.

Al-Ahli Starting XI

Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Bulaihid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko; Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.

Al-Riyadh, though, have not turned up to play the supporting role.

Milan Borjan starts in goal, with Sultan Al-Aisa, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi forming the defensive line. In front of them, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal patrol midfield, looking to disrupt Al-Ahli’s rhythm and spring counters.

Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri and Hassan Al-Ali provide the attacking thrust behind Antonis, who leads the line.

Al-Riyadh Starting XI

Milan Borjan; Sultan Al-Aisa, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal, Sulaiman Hazazi; Fahad Jizani, Victor Lekhal; Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri, Hassan Al-Ali; Antonis.

Bosic has nailed his colours to the mast with this selection. Now the question is simple: can this attacking gamble turn a new challenge into a defining win for Al-Raqi?