Derby Day Shakeups: Inzaghi Rethinks Hilal's XI for Riyadh Clash

Inzaghi reshuffles for the Riyadh derby

The Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, in charge of Al Hilal, made three changes to the starting XI that faced Al-Fayha in the previous round.

The match will take place in Riyadh, at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, in the 18th round of the Saudi Pro League.

Inzaghi brought in Nasser Al-Dosari to partner Serge Milinkovic-Savic in midfield, replacing the suspended Ruben Neves, who misses the game, while Mohammed Kano was left on the bench.

The Italian coach also recalled Hassan Tambakti and Hamad Al-Yami to the back line, at the expense of Ali Lajami, to line up alongside Meteb Al-Harbi, Pablo Mari and Theo Hernandez.

Al Hilal sit top of the table on 44 points, while Riyadh sit 16th with 10 points.

The starting XI was announced as follows:

Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Rubaei

Defence: Hamad Al-Yami – Meteb Al-Harbi – Hassan Tambakti – Pablo Mari – Theo Hernandez

Midfield: Serge Milinkovic-Savic – Nasser Al-Dosari

Attack: Malcolm – Marcus Leonardo – Darwin Nunez

The derby promises a tactical duel as Hilal chase more points at the top, and Riyadh look to climb away from trouble. If the ball could talk, it would say: "Let’s settle this with a friendly handshake and a slide tackle."

And if you’re wondering whether Neves’s absence will tilt the balance, the football gods seem to have answered with a shrug: a few inches of grass, a few degrees of heat, and a headline that practically scores itself.

Punchline 1: If goals were donations, this derby would fund a small island—minus the taxes.

Punchline 2: The ball may be a round thing, but in this derby it keeps finding the back of the net shaped like a smiley face.