Al-Ittihad make three changes for Al-Hazem as Jens Wissing reshapes midfield

Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing has made three changes to his starting XI for Monday evening’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al-Hazem, while also switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The German coach has selected Mukhtar Ali from the start for the first time, with Houssem Aouar joining him in a deeper midfield pairing. Marwan Al-Sahafi, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi and Steven Bergwijn have also been brought into the side, while George Ilenikhena drops to the bench.

Youssef En-Nesyri will lead the attack as Al-Ittihad’s only recognised striker.

The changes come after Wissing’s team beat Al-Qadsiah 1-0 in their previous league match. Al-Ittihad used a 4-4-2 system in that game, with En-Nesyri partnering Ilenikhena in attack.

Rakan Kaabi started in midfield alongside Dion Lopy, who was later sent off, while Aouar operated on the right side of midfield.

Wissing has now opted for a system built around two holding midfielders and a three-man attacking midfield line behind En-Nesyri. Aouar retains his place, but Mukhtar Ali comes into the starting XI alongside him for his first start since joining the club.

Al-Sahafi returns to the side, with Al-Ghamdi and Bergwijn completing the attacking midfield three. Their roles will be to provide support for En-Nesyri, who remains the focal point of the attack after Ilenikhena was left out of the starting line-up.

Al-Ittihad’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic

Defenders: Carlo Simic, Hassan Kadesh, Danilo Pereira, Fares Abdi

Midfielders: Houssem Aouar, Mukhtar Ali

Attacking midfielders: Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Steven Bergwijn, Marwan Al-Sahafi

Striker: Youssef En-Nesyri

The match against Al-Hazem is the third round of the Roshn Saudi League. Wissing has continued to adjust his team early in the campaign as he looks to establish his preferred structure and balance.

Al-Ittihad’s latest selection places greater emphasis on control in central midfield, with Aouar and Mukhtar Ali positioned behind Bergwijn, Al-Ghamdi and Al-Sahafi. The formation also leaves En-Nesyri as the sole forward, in contrast to the two-striker approach used against Al-Qadsiah.

The build-up to the match has also included reports about a possible move bringing Ollie Watkins closer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Fans have been directed to discussion forums to debate the latest football news, while tickets for Roshn Saudi League matches are also being promoted.