Al-Ahli vs Al-Riyadh: Pusic's Bold Line-Up for Saudi League Clash
Marino Pusic has gone all-in.
For Al-Ahli’s clash with Al-Riyadh in the fifth round of the Saudi league this Friday, the coach has rolled out a front line that screams intent: Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney lead an aggressive, attacking setup.
Al-Ahli go bold
Pusic keeps faith with Edouard Mendy in goal, the experienced keeper anchoring a back four that blends steel and mobility. In front of him, Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid form the defensive line, tasked with giving that forward trio the freedom to damage Al-Riyadh.
Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko sit in midfield, with Edward Spertsyan handed the creative brief between the lines. Ahead of them, Trincao and Galeno operate either side of Toney, who carries the weight of expectation as the central striker.
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.
It is a line-up built to dominate the ball and pin the opposition back. If it clicks, Al-Riyadh’s back line is in for a long evening.
Al-Riyadh set up to resist
On the other side, Al-Riyadh answer with a more measured, compact look, clearly braced for Al-Ahli’s attacking surge.
Milan Borjan starts in goal, protected by a defence of Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. In midfield, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal provide the graft, with Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offering outlets higher up the pitch.
Hassan Al-Ali leads the line, the focal point for counters and set pieces as Al-Riyadh try to punch back when chances arise.
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 primed to absorb and break. Now it comes down to which plan holds under the lights.
