League: Saudi Pro League Sport: Soccer Country: Saudi Arabia Category: Scores & Results

Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney meet in Saudi Pro League fixture

The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 9:01 AM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney meet in Saudi Pro League fixture

Summary

Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are set to face each other on Tuesday in Riyadh as Al-Hilal hosts Al-Ahli. The match serves as the first major clash between title contenders in the Saudi Pro League this season. Both strikers are adjusting to their new clubs following recent transfers. England head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to monitor the performance of both players as they compete to secure a position behind Harry Kane in the international setup. Watkins and Toney previously appeared on the pitch together during the World Cup third-place match between England and France in Miami. Meanwhile, Aston Villa continues its campaign against Arsenal on Monday with Nicolas Jackson expected to take on a larger role in the attack.

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The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•Al-Hilal faces Al-Ahli in Riyadh on Tuesday.
•Watkins and Toney are both playing for their new Saudi Pro League clubs.
•Thomas Tuchel will observe the strikers for potential international selection.
•Aston Villa plays against Arsenal on Monday.

Latest Updates

9:01 AMThe Guardian Sport — Watkins faces Toney clash as strikers push for Saudi supremacy and Tuchel’s attention

What they're saying

"
Al-Hilal’s signing from Villa is thrown straight into big game against Al-Ahli and faces the highest of expectations Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney spent 33 minutes on the pitch together a few weeks ago in Miami as England beat France 6-4 in a game for third place at the World Cup. They will be reunited on Tuesday in Riyadh for Al-Hilal v Al-Ahli, the first big clash between title hopefuls in the Saudi Pro League season. Aston Villa fans will be hoping that, starting against Arsenal on Monday, Nicolas Jackson can quickly help them forget their departed talisman. That’s what Toney did at Brentford back in 2020 when he replaced Watkins. It may not only be supporters in the West Midlands and west London who will be curious to see how their alumni get on in west Asia. England’s heach coach, Thomas Tuchel, will surely tune in (or even turn up?) to get a look at the two forwards battling to become the clear understudy to Harry Kane as a new international cycle starts. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby John Duerden

Related Teams & Leagues

Inter Miami Arsenal Aston Villa Saudi Pro League Soccer

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The Guardian SportAug 31, 2026, 9:01 AM
Watkins faces Toney clash as strikers push for Saudi supremacy and Tuchel’s attention
Al-Hilal’s signing from Villa is thrown straight into big game against Al-Ahli and faces the highest of expectations Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney spent 33 minutes on the pitch together a few weeks ago in Miami as England beat France 6-4 in a game for third place at the World Cup. They will be reunited on Tuesday in Riyadh for Al-Hilal v Al-Ahli, the first big clash between title hopefuls in the Saudi Pro League season. Aston Villa fans will be hoping that, starting against Arsenal on Monday, Nicolas Jackson can quickly help them forget their departed talisman. That’s what Toney did at Brentford back in 2020 when he replaced Watkins. It may not only be supporters in the West Midlands and west London who will be curious to see how their alumni get on in west Asia. England’s heach coach, Thomas Tuchel, will surely tune in (or even turn up?) to get a look at the two forwards battling to become the clear understudy to Harry Kane as a new international cycle starts. Continue reading...

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