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

Marino Pusic has nailed his colours to the mast. On a hot Saudi Friday, the Al-Ahli coach has gone all-in on attack for the fifth round clash with Al-Riyadh, naming a front line that screams intent rather than caution.

Ivan Toney leads the charge through the middle, flanked by Francisco Trincao and Wanderson Galeno in what looks every inch a ruthless, high-tempo trident. It is a statement, not a suggestion: Al-Ahli are here to dominate the ball and pin their visitors back.

Behind them, the structure is clear. Edouard Mendy anchors the side from goal, a calm, experienced presence expected to marshal a back line of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid. It is a blend of steel and mobility, designed to hold a high line and feed the creative core quickly.

Valentin Atangana and Artem Bondarenko sit in midfield, the engine room tasked with turning recovery into rapid progression. Ahead of them, Edward Spertsyan operates as the link man, the player Pusic will look to for the pass that unlocks a packed defence and releases those wide forwards into space.

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.

Across the halfway line, Al-Riyadh answer with a more measured, compact shape, hinting at a game plan built on resilience and quick breaks rather than a shootout.

Milan Borjan starts in goal, shielded by a defensive unit of Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi. In front of them, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal bring industry in midfield, the first line of resistance against Al-Ahli’s attacking waves.

Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offer outlets in advanced areas, while Hassan Al-Ali carries the responsibility of making any counterattacks count. One chance might be all he gets; he will be expected to take it.

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.

An aggressive, front-foot Al-Ahli against a disciplined, compact Al-Riyadh. On paper, it looks like attack versus organisation. On the pitch, it will show whether Pusic’s bold selection brings a statement victory or leaves his side exposed to a sting in the tail.