Al-Hilal favourites for Riyadh derby against Al-Shabab as Watkins and Martinelli join the squad
Saudi champions Al-Hilal faced Al-Shabab in the fifth round of the Roshn League in a Riyadh derby, with new signing Ollie Watkins starting up front while Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli began on the bench.
Saudi Arabia's Roshn League produced a Riyadh derby in round five, as reigning champions Al-Hilal travelled to face Al-Shabab at the SHG Arena.
Squads and new arrivals
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi had two new faces to manage: English forward Ollie Watkins, signed from Aston Villa, and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, who joined from Arsenal. According to Goal.com, the Martinelli deal was reported to be worth around 65 million euros. LiveScore reports that Inzaghi handed Watkins a starting role, while Martinelli began on the substitutes' bench. Watkins had already scored off the bench in Al-Hilal's previous 3-0 win over Al-Ahli.
Per LiveScore, Al-Hilal lined up with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou; a back four of Mohammed Al-Mahzari, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Tambakti and Moteb Al-Harbi (the latter two covering for injured Ali Lajami and French full-back Theo Hernandez); a midfield of Mohamed Kanno, Sergej Milinković-Savić and Ruben Neves; and an attacking line of Sultan Al-Mandash, Watkins and Crysencio Summerville.
League standings
Going into the derby, Al-Hilal topped the table on 12 points, ahead of second-placed Al-Nassr only on goal difference. Al-Shabab sat 13th with three points.
Match statistics
According to BBC's match data, Al-Hilal dominated proceedings, with 74.7% possession compared to Al-Shabab's 25.3%. Al-Hilal had three shots (two on target) against Al-Shabab's one shot (also on target). Al-Hilal completed 67 passes to Al-Shabab's 23, with pass accuracy of 85.1% versus 56.5%. Al-Shabab's goalkeeper made two saves, Al-Hilal's one. Al-Hilal won one corner, Al-Shabab none, and no fouls were recorded for either side.
None of the sources provided the final score of the match.
