German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli, announced the starting lineup for one of the most important and crucial matches of the season, when the team visits Al-Hilal in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. The highly anticipated derby will be held at the Kingdom Arena, promising a historic rivalry and excitement between two of the biggest clubs in Saudi football.
The historical context of the Saudi football classic
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match is considered a classic in Saudi football, eagerly anticipated by fans of the beautiful game. The rivalry between the two teams stretches back decades, marked by epic battles for various local and continental titles. With Al-Ahli's return to the Saudi Professional League this season, the match has gained even more momentum, especially given the significant support Saudi clubs have received and their recruitment of international stars, raising expectations and making the game a focus of attention for fans worldwide.
Al-Ahli's official lineup for the Al-Hilal match:
Coach Yasle opted for a balanced lineup, blending experience and youth, aiming for a positive result against the league leaders. The lineup was as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
- Defense: Ali Majrashi, Roger Ibanez, Abdulbasit Hindi, Saad Balabid
- Midfield: Franck Kessie, Gabri Vega, Mohammed Al-Majhad
- Forwards: Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin
The importance of the match and its impact on the league's course
This match is of paramount importance to both teams. Al-Hilal aims to extend its winning streak and widen its lead at the top of the table, while Al-Ahli seeks to prove its strength as a genuine contender for the top spots that qualify for the AFC Champions League, and to achieve a significant morale-boosting victory that will bolster the team's confidence. The result of the match will also have a direct impact on the morale of the players and fans in the crucial remaining stages of the season. Internationally, these star-studded encounters contribute to enhancing the image of the Roshan League as one of the world's most attractive leagues.
It is worth noting that Turkish defender Merih Demiral is absent from the squad for this match due to a technical decision by coach Yasle, as he has not yet reached full fitness. Al-Ahli enters the match with high morale after achieving a resounding victory in the previous round against Al-Ettifaq, with a score of four goals to nil, in a match held at Al-Inma Stadium.
