Photo: Wikimedia Commons (free licence), cropped and styled by SportNestra — author and licence
Jens Wissing has decided to respond to Al-Ittihad’s defeat to Al-Hilal by restoring George Ilenikhena to the starting XI for the next Asian fixture. The German coach is turning again to the Nigerian forward as he looks to strengthen his attack against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai on matchday two of the AFC Champions League Elite.
The decision follows Ilenikhena’s omission from the squad for Al-Ittihad’s most recent Roshn Saudi League match. The Dean lost 3-2 to Al-Hilal at Kingdom Arena. The contest remained tense until the closing moments, and the defeat has now been followed by a significant change to the expected line-up for the next match.
The forward’s planned return to the starting side is a swift response to that setback. Al-Ittihad hopes to beat Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, get back to winning ways and ease the anger of its supporters. The Asian fixture also offers the squad a chance to rebuild confidence and move on before league competition resumes. Wissing’s choice puts Ilenikhena at the heart of the club’s attempt to recover after its loss to a traditional rival.
FootballSent off against Betis Sevilla on September 8, Ethan Mbappé will miss Lille’s next three European fixtures. Lille also face a major trip to Arsenal after losing their opening match.
FootballAlexander Zverev overcame Alexander Bublik in three sets at the Shanghai Masters. The win sends him into the quarter-finals as he celebrates his year-end position as world No 1.
FootballHaving played in the competition with Barcelona and Dortmund, Marc Bartra explains why the Champions League means something different with Betis: the club has grown, and he feels he belongs.
FootballAs the Porto match approaches, Manuel Pellegrini sets out his ambitions and stresses his team’s responsibility in the Champions League.
Comments