Al-Ahli vs Al-Riyadh: Pusic's All-In Attack Strategy
Marino Pusic has shown his hand. On a hot Saudi Friday, the Al-Ahli coach has gone all-in on firepower for the fifth round clash with Al-Riyadh.
Ivan Toney leads the line, flanked by Francisco Trincao and Wanderson Galeno in an aggressive front three that leaves no doubt about Pusic’s intentions. This is a side picked to dominate the ball and pin the opposition back.
Behind them, creativity and control run through the spine. Edward Spertsyan starts as the main link between midfield and attack, with Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko offering legs and balance in the engine room. It’s a blend built to feed that front line early and often.
At the back, Edouard Mendy anchors a defence that reads: Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid. With Mendy’s experience and Ibanez’s authority, Al-Ahli have a platform to push their full-backs on and keep the pressure high.
Al-Ahli XI
Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko; Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.
Al-Riyadh, though, have not come to play the supporting role.
Milan Borjan starts in goal, a steady presence behind a back line of Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. In front of them, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal are tasked with breaking up Al-Ahli’s rhythm and protecting the spaces Toney and company will hunt.
Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offer outlets in advanced areas, with Hassan Al-Ali completing the attacking setup as Al-Riyadh look to spring forward when chances arise.
Al-Riyadh XI
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 stars and intent on attacking. The other compact, disciplined, waiting to pounce. With these line-ups, this isn’t just another league fixture – it’s a clear statement of how both teams plan to shape their season.
