Al-Ahli's Bold Attack for Al-Riyadh Clash

A fresh test awaits Al-Raqi. Mario Bosic has gone bold.

The Al-Ahli coach has named an adventurous line-up for today’s Saudi league clash with Al-Riyadh in the fifth round, pinning his hopes on a front three built to hurt teams, not just edge past them.

Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno and Ivan Toney all start together, a statement of intent from Bosic as Al-Ahli look to impose themselves early.

Behind them, Edouard Mendy keeps his place in goal, shielded by a back four of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Bulaihid. Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko sit in midfield, with Edward Spertsyan given license to link play and feed the front line.

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 answer with a more balanced set-up, leaning on experience at the back and work rate across midfield.

Milan Borjan starts between the posts, protected by Sultan Al-Aisa, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal anchor the middle, while Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri and Hassan Al-Ali support the lone forward Antonis.

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.

One side loaded with firepower, the other set up to absorb and counter. For Bosic and Al-Raqi, this is more than just a fifth-round fixture. It is a chance to show whether this new, attacking face can stand up when the pressure bites.