Al-Ahli vs Al-Riyadh: Tactical Battle in Saudi League Clash

Marino Pusic has gone on the front foot for Al-Ahli’s Saudi league clash with Al-Riyadh, rolling out a bold attacking trident for the fifth-round fixture.

The Al-Ahli head coach starts Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney together, a clear statement of intent as his side look to seize control early on Friday.

Behind them, Edouard Mendy anchors a familiar-looking back line. Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid form the defensive four, with Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko patrolling midfield. Edward Spertsyan is handed the creative brief, tasked with feeding the front three and driving play between the lines.

Al-Ahli 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 answer with a more measured setup. Milan Borjan starts in goal, protected by a back line of Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal offer steel in midfield, while Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri provide support to Hassan Al-Ali in attack.

Al-Riyadh 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 set up to absorb and counter. The line-ups leave little doubt: this has all the ingredients of a tactical battle decided by which plan cracks first.