Al-Ahli vs Al-Riyadh: Pusic's Bold Attack in Saudi Pro League Clash

Marino Pusic has gone all-in on firepower for Al-Ahli’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh, rolling out a bold attacking trident for the fifth-round meeting on Friday.

The Al-Ahli head coach starts Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney together in a front line built to dominate the ball and punish any space in behind. It’s an XI that screams intent.

Behind them, Edouard Mendy anchors the side from goal, with a back four of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid tasked with giving that attacking trio the platform to roam. In midfield, Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko sit in the engine room, while Edward Spertsyan links play and supplies the forwards from advanced areas.

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.

Al-Riyadh answer with a more balanced, compact look. Milan Borjan starts in goal, shielded by Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi across the back line. Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal bring graft and structure in midfield, with Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offering width and creativity. Hassan Al-Ali leads their attack.

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 flair and goals, the other set up to frustrate and counter. The line-ups leave no doubt: this will be a test of whether Pusic’s attacking gamble can break down Al-Riyadh’s resistance.