Watkins and Kanno the standout surprises for Al-Hilal in the Clasico | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi delivered selection shocks for the Roshn League Clasico, benching Ollie Watkins and Mohamed Kanno as Al-Hilal host Al-Ahli in a rescheduled third-round tie at Kingdom Arena on Tuesday. According to Goal.com, the Italian shuffled his pack for the rivals' meeting.

Ivorian forward Mohamed Kader Meite leads the line, supported by Crysencio Summerville and Saudi winger Sultan Al-Mundish. Watkins, despite reports he would begin, is among the substitutes.

In midfield Nasser Al-Dawsari partners Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with Kanno on the bench. Yassine Bounou starts in goal behind Mohamed Mahzari, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Lajami and French left-back Theo Hernandez. Recently back from injury, Hassan Tambakti also misses out.

Al-Ahli head coach Marino Pusic made a bold call of his own, omitting Ukrainian midfielder Artem Bondarenko from the squad amid growing fan anger after the 3-1 loss to Al-Kholood in round four. Valentin Atangana and Ziyad Al-Johani sit in midfield behind Armenian playmaker Edvard Sperstyan.

Up front, English striker Ivan Toney leads the visitors alongside Brazilian Galeno and Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao, with Saleh Abu Al-Shamat on the bench. Edouard Mendy starts in goal, protected by Mohamed Suleiman Baker, Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral and Zakaria Hawsawi.

Al-Hilal enter the Clasico second in the Saudi League on nine points from three wins. Al-Ahli are seventh with six points, collected through two victories and one defeat.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”