Asian football fans will turn their attention to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, where Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal will face a tough away match against Emirati side Shabab Al-Ahli (the hosts) in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage (West Group). This match comes at a time when the Asian powerhouse is enjoying a period of stability and impressive results.

Key absences due to Inzaghi's tactical decision

In a significant development before the trip, it was confirmed that three key players will be absent from Al-Hilal's squad for this highly anticipated match. The traveling squad list did not include captain Salem Al-Dawsari , the solid Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly , or the young striker Marcos Leonardo . This absence is not due to injury, but rather a calculated tactical decision by the team's manager, Inzaghi .

The coaching staff, led by Inzaghi, opted to give the trio a rest and spare them the rigors of travel and playing in the match, despite their complete medical and physical readiness. This decision aims to rotate players and maintain the fitness levels of the stars in preparation for upcoming domestic and continental competitions, especially given the continuous fixture congestion.

A well-deserved lead and guaranteed qualification

The decision to rest key players is supported by Al Hilal's strong position in the group. The "Leader" has officially secured qualification for the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League, sitting atop the group with a perfect record after six rounds, achieving a series of consecutive victories that reflect the team's absolute dominance in Asia.

The importance of the meeting and the historical context

Despite the absences, matches between Saudi and Emirati clubs retain a special flavor and exciting competitive edge, considered a "Gulf derby" that attracts the attention of fans across the region. Al-Hilal, with its available stars and substitutes, aims to continue its winning streak and solidify its position at the top of the table, while Shabab Al-Ahli hopes to capitalize on the absence of its opponent's key players to achieve a positive result on its home ground and in front of its fans.

This match reflects the great depth of Al-Hilal's squad, as the team boasts a strong bench capable of compensating for the absence of any key player, a hallmark of top teams competing for continental titles. A highly competitive match is expected, with each side striving to impose its style of play, serving as a valuable rehearsal for the upcoming knockout stages.

Asian and Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens tomorrow, Monday, as Al-Ahli Saudi FC travels to the United Arab Emirates to face Al-Wahda in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage. Al-Ahli's German coach, Matthias Jäissle, has largely settled on his starting lineup for this crucial match, aiming to solidify the team's position in the continental standings.

Al-Ahli's expected lineup against Al-Wahda

Based on recent training sessions and coach Yasle's tactical approach, Al-Ahly is expected to field its strongest lineup, relying on its international stars to secure an early victory. The expected lineup is as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy.
• Defense line: Mohamed Abdel Rahman, Rayan Hamed, Roger Ibanez, and Saad Balabid (or Dames depending on technical readiness).
• Midfield: Franck Kessie, Ziad Al-Jahani, and Matheus (Alexander).
• Attack line: Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toni, and Galeano.

The importance of the match and the context of the continental competition

This match holds special significance as it marks the debut of the new AFC Champions League format, featuring the strongest clubs in Asia. Al-Ahli Saudi aims to solidify its strong return to international competition and seriously contend for the continental title, particularly given the substantial support the team has received through high-profile signings.

Matches between Saudi Arabia and the UAE are always special, characterized by intense rivalry and excitement. Al Wahda of the UAE will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to achieve a positive result against one of the title contenders. Meanwhile, Al Ahli will rely on the experience of their international players, such as Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, defensive stalwart Ibanez, and midfield maestro Franck Kessié, in addition to their potent attacking force spearheaded by Algerian star Riyad Mahrez and English striker Ivan Toni.

Expected impact and audience expectations

Winning this match is not just about securing three points; it represents a tremendous morale boost for Al-Ahli, allowing them to continue their journey in the tournament with high confidence and sending a strong message to their rivals on the continent. Al-Ahli fans are also eagerly anticipating a performance worthy of the "Fortress of Cups" reputation, especially since the team possesses all the technical qualities that qualify them to go far in this exceptional edition of the Asian Champions League.

Tonight, football fans around the world will turn their attention to Anfield, the historic stadium, for the highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and their formidable visitors, Manchester City, in the 25th round of the English Premier League. This encounter carries special significance due to the intense rivalry that has characterized meetings between the two teams in recent years, transforming this fixture into a new "classic" that significantly shapes the Premier League title race.

This match comes at a critical time for both teams, as each seeks to assert its dominance and prove its worth in the competition. However, the tactical calculations of the coaches may be drastically altered by the "injury curse" that has struck both sides. According to reports from the English network Liverpool.com, the top-of-the-table clash is threatened by the potential absence of a significant number of stars, with doubts and confirmed absences surrounding approximately 11 key players and substitutes from both teams. This leaves the coaching staffs in a real predicament in finding suitable replacements.

Liverpool Hospital: A worn-out defense and a deficient attack

On the red side of the tie, manager Arne Slott is concerned, as reports indicate that defender Joe Gomez's availability remains uncertain following a thigh injury. While there is a glimmer of hope for his inclusion in the squad, Slott confirmed that Gomez's physical condition does not permit him to start, and he may only be an option on the bench if he passes medical tests in Saturday's training session.

Liverpool's woes didn't end there, as Slott officially announced that Jeremy Frimpong will be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury, depriving the team of one of its quick attacking options. Striker Alexander Isak also remains unavailable, having watched his teammates' victory over Newcastle from the stands, as he has yet to reach full fitness following his recovery from a broken leg.

Liverpool's biggest blow, however, came in defense, with young defender Giovanni Leone confirmed to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury. The defensive woes are compounded by Conor Bradley's season also ending prematurely, following surgery for a serious knee injury sustained during last month's match against Arsenal.

Manchester City: Significant absences across all positions

On the other side, Manchester City's situation doesn't look much better, as Pep Guardiola is grappling with a number of key absences. Defender Ruben Dias remains sidelined since picking up an injury against Chelsea last month, a loss that directly impacts City's defensive solidity. The team is also missing John Stones, who has been out of action since early December, with his return expected to be gradual and cautious over the coming weeks.

On the attacking front and on the wings, Savinho continues his recovery from the thigh injury he sustained against Sunderland, with hopes of a return before the end of the month. Jeremy Doku has joined the list of injured players after being forced off the Champions League match against Galatasaray at the end of January due to a calf injury, further limiting the available options on the flanks.

City's defensive and midfield woes continue with the absence of Josko Gvardiol, who has been recovering from a broken leg since the start of the year, and Mateo Kovacic, who has been suffering from a chronic ankle injury since last November and is expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future. These absences present a significant tactical challenge for both managers in one of the most important matches of the season.