Al-Ahli vs Al-Riyadh: Pusic's Bold Attack

Marino Pusic has shown his hand. Al-Ahli go bold.

For today’s Saudi league clash with Al-Riyadh in the fifth round of the season, the Al-Ahli coach has loaded his side with attacking intent, unleashing a front three of Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno and Ivan Toney.

Toney leads the line as the central striker, with Trincao and Galeno offering pace and width either side of him in what looks set to be an aggressive, front-foot approach.

Behind them, creativity and control run through a busy midfield. Edward Spertsyan operates as the main link between midfield and attack, supported by Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko, who are tasked with setting the tempo and protecting the back four when Al-Ahli lose the ball.

At the back, Edouard Mendy starts in goal, shielded by a defensive line of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid.

Al-Ahli XI vs Al-Riyadh: Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko, Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.

Al-Riyadh respond with a more balanced, compact look, hinting at a side ready to absorb pressure and break when the chance comes.

Milan Borjan starts between the posts, with Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi forming the defensive unit in front of him. In midfield, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal provide industry and structure, while Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offer attacking thrust in support of Hassan Al-Ali.

Al-Riyadh XI vs Al-Ahli: 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 set up to contain and counter. The fifth round could tell a lot about how brave Pusic is prepared to be this season.