Al-Hilal Lineup vs Al-Feiha: Simone Inzaghi Names Malcom’s Successor in Saudi Pro League Clash

Simone Inzaghi has officially revealed his starting eleven for Al-Hilal’s Roshn Saudi Pro League second-round showdown against Al-Feiha, placing local favorite Sultan Mandash directly into the void left by Brazilian wizard Malcom de Oliveira.

The spotlight burns bright on the right flank. Malcom’s high-profile departure stripped the Blue Waves of one of their primary engines—a player whose rapid drift inside and razor-sharp goal output defined so much of their attacking cadence. In response, Inzaghi refused to tear up his blueprint. Instead of radically reshaping his structure, the Italian tactician has entrusted Mandash with the starting role, betting on continuity and direct speed to maintain momentum following their opening-day victory.

Standard Bearers in the Engine Room

Beyond Mandash’s inclusion on the wing, Inzaghi’s tactical ecosystem remains resolute and unchanged. Anchoring the defense in front of Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou is a sturdy four-man backline featuring Moteb Al-Harbi, Ali Lajami, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Mohammed Mahzari.

The midfield axis is built to dominate, combining the metronomic distribution of Rúben Neves, the muscle of Mohamed Kanno, and the late-arriving box threat of Sergej Milinković-Savić. Further forward, Crysencio Summerville and marquee frontman Karim Benzema join Mandash in a dynamic frontline designed to pin Al-Feiha’s back five deep into their own territory.

Carrying the Baton

For Mandash, the fixture represents more than just three league points—it is a crucible moment. Stepping into a spot previously occupied by an elite foreign talisman brings relentless pressure, but Inzaghi’s decision signals utmost trust. With firepower on the bench ready if needed, the pressure rests on the frontline trio to deliver early and keep Al-Hilal’s title surge on solid footing.