Al-Ahli's Bold Lineup Against Al-Riyadh

Mario Bosic has wasted no time raising the stakes. For Al-Ahli’s fifth-round clash in the Saudi league against Al-Riyadh this Friday, the coach has rolled out a front line that screams intent.

Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno and Ivan Toney all start together, an attacking trident built for damage rather than caution. It is a clear signal: Al-Raqi are not turning up to feel their way into this one.

Behind them, Edouard Mendy anchors the side from goal, with a back four of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Bulaihid tasked with giving that forward firepower a platform to work from. In midfield, Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko and Edward Spertsyan offer the balance between control and supply, the bridge between defence and that aggressive front three.

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 answer with their own blend of steel and craft. Milan Borjan stands in goal, shielded by Sultan Al-Aisa, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal sit in midfield, with Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri and Hassan Al-Ali supporting the attack behind the 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 Al-Ahli side loaded with flair. An Al-Riyadh team set up to disrupt and counter. Bosic has made his move. Now it is down to his players to prove this bold selection can turn promise into points.