Gabriel Martinelli starts for Al Hilal as Simone Inzaghi wastes no time against Neom

Simone Inzaghi has named Gabriel Martinelli in Al Hilal’s starting line-up for the first time since the Brazilian winger joined from Arsenal, as the Saudi Pro League leaders prepare to face Neom on Monday evening.

The sixth-round fixture will be Martinelli’s first start for Al Hilal, only days after his move to the club. His inclusion underlines Inzaghi’s determination to integrate his new signings quickly rather than gradually introduce them into the team.

Martinelli made his Al Hilal debut in the previous round against Al Shabab, coming on as a substitute in a match his new side won 2-0. Having initially been used from the bench, the 24-year-old has now been handed a starting role for the meeting with Neom.

He will operate in a front three alongside Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins, with the attacking trio selected to lead Al Hilal’s challenge in the sixth-round contest.

The decision gives Martinelli an immediate opportunity to show what he can offer as part of the club’s first-choice attacking unit. It also reflects Inzaghi’s wish to make use of the Brazilian’s attacking qualities as soon as possible, particularly with Al Hilal having added a number of new players to an already strong squad.

Al Hilal have made a perfect start to their Roshn Saudi League campaign. They have won each of their first five matches and take a maximum 15 points into their fixture with Neom.

Martinelli’s appearance from the start will therefore be one of the main points of interest before kick-off. His first outing for the club came only as a replacement against Al Shabab, but Inzaghi has now moved quickly to test him from the opening whistle in a competitive league match.

The confirmed Al Hilal line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou.

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Tambakti, Mohammed Mahzari and Moteb Al-Harbi.

Midfielders: Mohamed Kanno, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins.

The meeting with Neom carries particular significance for Martinelli because it represents his first appearance in Al Hilal’s starting XI. His earlier substitute outing against Al Shabab offered his initial experience of playing for the club, while Monday’s match will provide a fuller test of his readiness to contribute from the beginning.

Inzaghi’s selection means Martinelli has had little time to settle before being trusted with a prominent role in the attack. Al Hilal will meanwhile be aiming to preserve their flawless record and maintain their run of five consecutive victories in the Roshn Saudi League.