Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Single-lineup tweak fuels Al Ahli’s clash with Al Ettifaq: one change, big implications

28 January 2026

Single-lineup tweak fuels Al Ahli’s clash with Al Ettifaq: one change, big implications
Al Ahli’s lineup ahead of the clash with Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.

Lineup Change Ahead of Al Ahli vs Al Ettifaq

Saudi club Al Ahli’s head coach Matias Jaissle has announced the starting XI for the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Ettifaq in round 19. The lineup features a single alteration from the Neom match in round 18, with right-back Mohammad Abdulrahman coming in for Ali Majrashi. The rest of the team remains the same as they chase important points.

Starting XI for Al Ahli: Edward Mendy in goal; defense made up of Mohammad Abdulrahman, Ryan Hamid, and Roger Ibanez; midfield consisting of Franck Kessi, Ziad Al-Jehani, Valentin Atangana, and Enzo Miu; attack led by Wenderson Galeno, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toni. Bench options include Abdulrahman Al-Saibi, Mohammed Suleiman, Eid Al-Mold, Yassin Al-Zubaidi, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Yazan Madani, and Feras Al-Brykan.

Al Ettifaq’s announced lineup to oppose Al Ahli features Marek Rodak in goal, a backline of Joao Costa, Abdullah Khateeb, and Jack Hender; a midfield quartet of Francisco Calvo, Rady Altiibi, Gini Wijnaldum, and Mukhtar Ali; and an attacking trio of Fares Al-Ghamdi, Mousa Dembele, and Khalid Al-Ghannam. On the bench, the squad includes Abdulbasit Husai, Mdallah Alayan, Abdulbasit Hindi, Mishal Sabiani, Abdullah Mado, Abdulrahman Nabza, Majid Doran, Ziad Al-Ghami, and Mowa nKotoa.

Lineups can be viewed in full on matchday updates and the official Saudi Pro League listings.

Punchline 1: Jaissle’s playbook is so tight even his coffee gets a pre-match briefing. Punchline 2: If this XI wins, the celebrations will need their own marching orders—for the press conference afterward.

Author

Avatar

Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key change in Al Ahli’s lineup for the Ettifaq game?

There is one alteration: right-back Mohammad Abdulrahman starts in place of Ali Majrashi.

Who is the opponent and in which competition is this match played?

Al Ahli faces Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, round 19.

Who are the starting XI for Al Ahli?

Starting in goal is Edouard Mendy; the defense includes Mohammad Abdulrahman, Ryan Hamid, and Roger Ibanez; midfield features Franck Kessi, Ziad Al-Jehani, Valentin Atangana, Enzo Miu; forwards are Wenderson Galeno, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toni.