Al-Ahli's Bold XI vs Al-Riyadh in Saudi Pro League Clash

Marino Pusic has gone on the front foot.

The Al-Ahli head coach has named a bold, attack-heavy XI for today’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh in the fifth round of the season, building his side around a lively front three of Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney.

Al-Ahli go aggressive

Behind that trident, creativity and control run through the spine. Edouard Mendy starts in goal, shielded by a back four of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid.

Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko form the engine room, with Edward Spertsyan handed the keys between midfield and attack, tasked with feeding Trincao and Galeno in the wide areas and supplying Toney through the middle.

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 that screams intent. Goals are the message.

Al-Riyadh look to stand firm

Al-Riyadh answer with a more balanced set-up, built first on resistance. Milan Borjan takes his place between the posts, protected by Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi across the back line.

Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal anchor midfield, while Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri provide support in advanced roles. Hassan Al-Ali leads the line, carrying the visitors’ main threat on the break.

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 absorb and counter. The fifth round offers an early test of Al-Ahli’s ambition and Al-Riyadh’s resilience.