Al-Ahli's Bold Lineup Against Al-Riyadh in Saudi League

A fresh test awaits Al-Ahli and coach Mario Bosic, and he has answered it with aggression rather than caution.

For the fifth round of the Saudi league, Bosic has unleashed a front line that makes his intentions clear: Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno and Ivan Toney all start. Three forwards, one message.

Behind them, Edouard Mendy anchors a side that blends European experience with Saudi league know-how. Rayan Hamed and Saad Bulaihid take the full-back roles, with Mohammed Bakr and Roger Ibanez forming the central defensive pairing. In midfield, Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko offer the platform, while Edward Spertsyan is tasked with knitting attacks together and feeding that dangerous trident ahead of him.

Al-Ahli starting XI:

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

Across from them, Al-Riyadh arrive with a line-up built to frustrate and counter. Milan Borjan starts in goal, shielded by Sultan Al-Aisa, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal patrol the middle, with Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri and Hassan Al-Ali supporting the lone striker Antonis.

Al-Riyadh starting 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.

An attacking Al-Ahli, a compact Al-Riyadh, and a league table already beginning to take shape. Bosic has shown his hand. Now it’s up to his forwards to justify the gamble.