Al-Ittihad vs Al-Diriyah: En-Nesyri Dropped to the Bench in Roshn League Surprise
Youssef En-Nesyri has been left out of Al-Ittihad’s starting XI for Friday’s Saudi Roshn League meeting with Al-Diriyah, despite scoring twice as a substitute in the club’s previous match. The Moroccan striker will begin on the bench at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, as head coach Jens Wissing opts to start George Ilenikhena in attack.
The selection decision is a notable talking point ahead of the 11th round fixture. En-Nesyri’s impact against Al-Ettifaq appeared to strengthen his case for a starting role, but Wissing has instead chosen a different attacking combination for a match that could help shape the upper end of the league table.
Wissing backs Ilenikhena to lead the attack
Nigerian forward Ilenikhena gets the central attacking position, supported by Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Algeria international Houssem Aouar and Georginio Wijnaldum. The arrangement gives Al-Ittihad a blend of pace, technical quality and experience, with Aouar and Wijnaldum expected to contribute both in possession and around the opposition penalty area.
En-Nesyri’s place among the substitutes gives Wissing an influential option to introduce later in the game. His two-goal contribution against Al-Ettifaq demonstrated how effectively he can change a match, particularly if Al-Ittihad need a stronger aerial presence or a more direct threat in the closing stages. Whether the coach’s decision proves successful will be one of the key storylines in this football fixture.
Al-Ittihad will also be without Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn, who is absent from the squad. His unavailability reduces the team’s options out wide and places added responsibility on Al-Ghamdi and the other attacking players to create chances and stretch Al-Diriyah’s defensive shape.
Midfield selection and defensive setup
Wissing has paired Mukhtar Ali with Colombian midfielder Richard Rios in the centre of the pitch, while Wijnaldum is positioned further forward. The combination suggests Al-Ittihad will look to balance defensive cover with forward movement, using Rios and Ali to contest possession and help launch attacks.
Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy starts among the substitutes. His presence on the bench gives the coach another option if the match demands additional energy or greater control in midfield. Against an Al-Diriyah side capable of competing for possession, the midfield battle could be decisive in determining which team controls the tempo.
At the back, goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic is protected by a defensive line featuring Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa and Faris Abedi. Their task will be to limit Al-Diriyah’s chances while helping Al-Ittihad build attacks from deep. Maintaining concentration will be important, especially if the visitors look to exploit transitions or counterattacking opportunities.
League positions raise the stakes
Al-Ittihad enter the match in fourth place with 20 points, five behind league leaders Al-Qadsiah, who have played one more game. A win would strengthen the Tigers’ position in the race near the top and help them put pressure on the teams above them. With the season still developing, every point matters in a closely contested Roshn League campaign.
Al-Diriyah sit seventh with 15 points from 10 matches, having recorded four wins, three draws and three defeats. The visitors are within reach of the leading group and will view this away fixture as an opportunity to close the gap. Their record suggests a competitive side capable of making the match uncomfortable for Al-Ittihad, rather than an opponent likely to simply defend for 90 minutes.
For Al-Ittihad, the challenge is to turn their home advantage into a convincing performance. The team will need to combine patience in possession with sharper movement in the final third. If Ilenikhena can occupy defenders and create space for Aouar, Wijnaldum and Al-Ghamdi, the hosts may be able to build sustained pressure. At the same time, Al-Diriyah’s ability to respond on the break means Al-Ittihad cannot afford to leave gaps behind their midfield.
Match prediction: Can the Tigers claim the win?
Al-Ittihad appear to have the quality and home support to make them favourites, but the outcome is not guaranteed. En-Nesyri’s omission adds an intriguing variable: Wissing may be prioritising a different style from the opening whistle, while keeping a proven goal threat available for the second half. If the starting attack finds its rhythm early, the decision could pay off. If chances are limited, supporters may quickly look toward the Moroccan striker on the bench.
Prediction: Al-Ittihad have a narrow edge at Al-Inma Stadium, but Al-Diriyah’s solid points total makes a close contest plausible. A controlled home performance could deliver a valuable win for the Tigers; however, the visitors have enough form to punish defensive mistakes. The key factors are likely to be Al-Ittihad’s efficiency in front of goal and whether their midfield can prevent Al-Diriyah from gaining momentum.
Al-Ittihad starting lineup
Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
Defence: Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa, Faris Abedi
Midfield: Mukhtar Ali, Richard Rios, Georginio Wijnaldum
Attack: Houssem Aouar, George Ilenikhena, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi
En-Nesyri, Dion Lopy and other substitutes remain available as Wissing weighs his options during the match. For Al-Ittihad fans, the central question is whether the coach’s surprise selection can deliver three points—and whether the Tigers will need their Moroccan striker to make another decisive contribution from the bench.
