Al-Ahli's Bold Line-Up Against Al-Riyadh in Saudi League Clash
A new test, a new statement to make.
Al-Ahli coach Mario Bosic has rolled out an unapologetically attacking line-up for today’s Saudi league clash with Al-Riyadh, throwing Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno and Ivan Toney together in a front three built to hurt teams, not just edge past them.
No disguises, no half-measures. Bosic wants control of the game high up the pitch, and his selection says it loudly.
Edouard Mendy anchors Al-Ahli from goal, a calm, experienced presence behind a back line of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Bulaihid. It is a unit with enough steel to hold a high line and enough mobility to cope when the game stretches.
In midfield, Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko form the engine room, with Edward Spertsyan given the licence to knit attacks together and feed the front three. That triangle behind the forwards will decide whether Al-Ahli’s ambition looks brave or reckless by the final whistle.
Up top, the spotlight naturally falls on Toney. The striker thrives on early service and chaos in the box, and with Trincao drifting into pockets and Galeno driving at full-backs, chances should come. If they do not, questions will follow.
Al-Ahli’s XI: Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Bulaihid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko; Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.
On the other side, Al-Riyadh arrive with a line-up that hints at resilience and balance rather than a shootout. Milan Borjan starts in goal, shielded by Sultan Al-Aisa, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. It is a back four built to absorb pressure and clear their lines under fire.
Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal patrol the midfield, offering legs and cover, while Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri give width and running lanes on the break. Hassan Al-Ali supports Antonis in attack, a pairing that will need to make the most of limited openings if Al-Riyadh spend long spells without the ball.
Al-Riyadh’s 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.
Two very different approaches, one shared reality: the fifth round of the Saudi league is already starting to separate those chasing the top from those simply trying to keep pace. Bosic has chosen to chase. Now his players have to live up to the daring of the team sheet.
