Simone Inzaghi's Selection Decisions for Al-Hilal vs Al-Ahli

Simone Inzaghi has made his first big selection call of the Saudi Roshn League season, cutting three players from his Al-Hilal squad for tonight’s clash with Al-Ahli at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

The Italian coach has omitted Turkey’s Yusuf Akcicek, France’s Simon Bouabre and midfielder Abdullah Al-Anazi from the matchday group, as reported by Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.

Each decision comes with a different twist. Akcicek is sidelined by a minor knee bruise, not serious but enough for Inzaghi to take no risks this early in the campaign. Bouabre, still short of full match fitness, also stays out as the staff hold him back until he reaches the physical level they demand.

Al-Anazi’s case is more brutal. He has simply fallen out of the technical plans for this game, a clear signal of the standards and competition now inside this Al-Hilal squad.

One attacking name does survive the cut. English striker Wally Watkins is included in the squad list, though his actual involvement will only be confirmed after Inzaghi’s technical meeting before the team departs for the stadium. His role could range from leading the line to watching from the bench, depending on the final tactical call.

Current Standings

Al-Hilal enter the third round sitting second in the Roshn League table with 9 points from 3 matches, three behind leaders Al-Nassr. Crucially, “the Boss” have a game in hand, keeping the title race firmly in their grip even at this early stage.

Al-Ahli arrive in Riyadh in seventh place on 6 points from 3 games, knowing exactly what is at stake. A positive result against Al-Hilal would not only haul them up the standings, it would send a message across the league: the chase behind Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal is very much alive.