Al-Ittihad make three changes for Al-Hazem as Jens Wissing switches formation

Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing has made three changes to his starting line-up for Monday evening’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al-Hazem, while also moving to a different tactical system.

Wissing has selected a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match, having used a 4-4-2 system in Al-Ittihad’s previous league game against Al-Qadsiah. Al-Ittihad won that fixture 1-0, with Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri and George Ilenikhena leading the attack as a front two.

For the latest match, Houssem Aouar will continue in midfield but will be joined in the centre by new arrival Mukhtar Ali, who has been named in the starting line-up for the first time. The change gives Al-Ittihad a more clearly defined double-pivot in midfield.

Marwan Al-Sahafi returns to the starting XI, while Ahmed Al-Ghamdi and Netherlands international Steven Bergwijn also come into the attacking midfield positions. They will operate behind a lone striker, with En-Nesyri retaining his place at the top of the attack.

The decision means Ilenikhena has been left out of the starting line-up after beginning the victory over Al-Qadsiah. Wissing’s changes therefore alter both the personnel and the structure of his side, with Al-Ittihad moving from two recognised forwards to a single central striker supported by a three-man attacking midfield.

Rakan Kaabi, who featured in midfield in the previous match alongside Dion Lopy, is not included in the new midfield arrangement. Lopy was sent off during that game, while Aouar played on the right side of midfield.

The full Al-Ittihad line-up against Al-Hazem is:

Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic.

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

Defensive midfielders: Houssem Aouar and Mukhtar Ali.

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

Striker: Youssef En-Nesyri.

The fixture is being played on Monday evening as part of the third round of the Roshn Saudi League. Wissing’s selection reflects his continued willingness to adjust Al-Ittihad’s starting XI, with the German coach making another significant alteration after the narrow win over Al-Qadsiah.

The main change is the introduction of a central midfield partnership between Aouar and Mukhtar Ali, while Bergwijn, Al-Ghamdi and Al-Sahafi will be tasked with providing support and service to En-Nesyri. Ilenikhena, who started the previous match, will begin this game among the substitutes.