Al-Ahli's Bold Lineup for Saudi League Clash Against Al-Riyadh

Marino Pusic has shown his hand. Al-Ahli step into the fifth round of the Saudi league with a front line that screams intent rather than caution.

The coach has rolled out an attacking trident of Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney, a trio built for pace, flair and penalty-box menace. It is a selection that leaves little doubt: Al-Ahli are hunting three points, not merely feeling their way through another early-season fixture.

Behind them, the structure is clear. Edouard Mendy anchors the side from goal, a calm presence and a proven shot-stopper. In front of him, the back line of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid offers a blend of local energy and international experience, with Ibanez expected to marshal the defensive shape.

Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko form the core in midfield, charged with winning duels and feeding the creative spark of Edward Spertsyan, who will look to connect the lines and release that front three into space. If Al-Ahli find their rhythm, those passes between the lines could define the evening.

Al-Ahli Lineup

Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko, Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.

Across the pitch, Al-Riyadh answer with a more measured, compact setup, one that hints at resilience and counter-attacking threat. Milan Borjan starts in goal, a seasoned keeper used to busy nights.

Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi form the defensive unit, tasked with containing Toney’s movement and tracking the wide runs of Trincao and Galeno. In midfield, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal provide the screen, with Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri and Hassan Al-Ali offering the legs and creativity to break out when the chance appears.

Al-Riyadh Lineup

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 strike when the gaps appear. Pusic has made his statement with the team sheet; now the question is whether that bold front three can turn selection into supremacy.