Ollie Watkins is set to face Ivan Toney on Tuesday in Riyadh as Al-Hilal host Al-Ahli in the first major clash between Saudi Pro League title hopefuls this season.
The meeting brings together two England forwards who know each other well from their time in the national setup. A few weeks ago, Watkins and Toney shared 33 minutes on the pitch in Miami as England beat France 6-4 for third place at the World Cup. This time, the stakes are different, with both men now trying to make an impact in Saudi Arabia.
Watkins joined Al-Hilal from Aston Villa, while Toney signed for Al-Ahli in Jeddah two years ago after leaving Brentford, where he replaced Watkins in 2020. Their path to this matchup has been tied together for years, and Tuesday in Riyadh gives the rivalry a new setting.
What is at stake in Saudi Arabia
Al-Hilal remain the standard-bearers in Saudi Arabia, with one domestic league title in more than 40 years and a record of 19 home titles and four Asian titles. They finished second last season, but they have started this campaign strongly, scoring nine goals in their first two league games.
Al-Ahli arrive with real momentum of their own. Toney scored 32 league goals last season and has four goals in three games this season, showing the kind of form that made him one of the league’s biggest arrivals. The matchup also offers Al-Hilal a chance to underline their title push against a side that has won just one domestic league title in more than 40 years.
The temperature in Riyadh is expected to be in the mid-forties during the day, but the bigger heat may come from the football itself. With a new international cycle beginning, Thomas Tuchel may also have an eye on Watkins and Toney as he weighs the options in attack for England.
For Al-Hilal, this is an early test of whether their strong start can translate into control at the top of the table. For Al-Ahli, it is a chance to show they can match one of the league’s most decorated clubs in a game that could shape the opening stretch of the Saudi Pro League season.
