Ahead of Thursday’s deadline, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) Fantasy’s best Round 3 players.

• READ MORE: RSL Fantasy Round 3: Saudi Pro League roundup, best picks + more

Looking at these fixtures in isolation, our team of Louis, Amer and Chris are discussing the best picks.

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SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 3

Focusing only on the upcoming Round, the Scout Squad doesn’t require any medium-term planning.

CHRIS SAID…

Goalkeepers

Edouard Mendy (5.5m) has already secured two clean sheets in far from easy games, and a competitive fixture with Al Hilal offers a chance for another haul plus some save points.

Alongside him, I’m considering Al Ettifaq’s Marek Rodak (5.0m), who held Al Ahli forwards at bay last week and should have a good chance away to a considerably weaker Al Taawoun attack.

For a cheeky punt at a bargain price, I’m also considering Raghed Al Najjar (4.0m). In theory, he’s Al Nassr’s third keeper, but a solid performance against Al Kholood could see him hold onto the gloves for the Al Riyadh match.

Defenders

Having taken Inigo Martinez (6.0m) out in my GW2 Wildcard, trying to save a little cash to use elsewhere, I am going to use my regret for that decision to inform the first defensive selection. Playing a blinder in an Al Nassr defence, that has already kept two clean sheets, I’d expect him to continue his returns in the derby against Al Riyadh.

Al Ahli’s Roger Ibanez (6.0m) is also in incredible form, having hit 20 points, and playing an important role in a defence that’s also kept two clean sheets. Granted, a match against Al Hilal is far from a desirable fixture, but I’d expect it to be tight and with lots of opportunities for defensive bonus points.

A game away to Al Taawoun offers a great opportunity for Al Ettifaq assets to show their worth and ex-Scottish Premier League star Jack Hendry (5.0m) is my pick. Whilst I’m not expecting attacking returns, I’d be hopeful of a clean sheet and maybe a few defensive actions too.

With Al Najmah propping up the league, the last thing they’d want is a match against joint top Al Ittihad, but that’s what they’ve got and it’s reason enough for me to pick their top scoring defender, Muhannad Al Shanqiti (5.0m). Although a clean sheet is definitely on the cards, it’s the fact he’s returned 18 points from a goal and assist in the first two that is whetting our appetite – a huge haul in prospect!

My defensive budget pick of the week is a bit of a flyer, Koray Gunter (4.5m) of Al Okhdood. He may not scream defensive solidity in a team that has conceded eight goals so far. Despite that, however, he has managed to return 15 points thanks to attacking returns and bonus, both of which could be on the cards again against Neom. I did also look at Damac’s Jamal Harkass (4.5m).

Midfielders

Al Nassr have a formidable arsenal of attacking options at their disposal, which is a problem in itself for RSL Fantasy managers with regards to which one you pick. Joao Felix (7.6m) is currently the top scorer, although that was down to a huge haul in GW1, whereas Kingsley Coman (8.0m) has been more consistent in his delivery, following up a goal and 11 points in the first round with an assist and 7 more in GW2. Both are great options at their price points, however, I’m looking to find a little extra to bring former Liverpool star Sadio Mane (10.0m) in for GW3 – after delivering c.200 points last season, he’s started just as strongly in 25-26, with 27 points from the first two.

Julian Quinones (9.5m) has been Al Qadsah’s stand-out attacking option for the season so far, and I’m backing him to keep the scoring run going in a home game against high-flying Al Khaleej.

Al Ittihad’s Steven Bergwijn (9.6m) has already delighted owners with two decent double-digit returns, making him the top-scoring midfielder in the game and an absolute must-have for a match-up with the SPL’s joint-bottom side. Goals, assists and shots on target are his trade, and if he keeps delivering those, then bonus points and fan man of the match accolades aren’t far away either!

With Benzema still an injury doubt, a double dip into Al Ittihad’s attacking midfield feels worthwhile, hence Moussa Diaby (9.0m) is also in my sights. The ex-Villa danger-man weighed in with a hat-trick of assists last time out and I’d expect him to be in the goals again this time out against Al Najmah.

It may seem odd associating mega-city in waiting Neom with ‘budget picks’ but in RSL Fantasy, that’s just what they represent, as the newly promoted team has been priced accordingly, despite some great signings in the summer. Alexandre Lacazette will appear in my forward line, and I’ve also considered another Premier League star Said Benrahma, but it’s a lower price tag, and a little recency bias, which is guiding me here towards Al Asmari (4.5m). After a cameo in GW1, he served up a seven-pointer last week, and will hopefully be in line for more as they take on bottom-placed Al Okhdood.

Forwards

Alexandre Lacazette (7.1m) has announced his arrival to the SPL in some style, with two goals and six shots on target already. Granted, he may not be a shoo-in against the very top sides, (and blanked against Al Ahli), but if you’re looking for a flat-track bully, he fills the bill, and Al Okhdood could get the same treatment he dished out to Damac!

Cristiano Ronaldo (14.0m) may have blanked last time out, but he’s still Al Nassr’s main man and set-piece taker, so we’re looking for a return to form at home to Al Riyadh for the game’s most expensive player.

Mateo Retegui (9.5m) proved himself a genuine class act as a striker in Serie A and the Champions League, so it’s surprising no-one that he’s already amongst the top scoring forwards in the Saudi league too. A game against Al Khaleej may prove tougher than some would’ve thought in pre-season, but there should be opportunities for attackers.

Picking the top-scoring player in the game as your budget differential may seem like a pretty obvious move, but as long as Josh King (6.2m) keeps doing the business as the main focal point of Al Khaleej’s attack, he’s going to stay in my line-up!

Finding a final striker feels relatively easy on one hand, as there’s a group of clear standout imports who are returning so far, and with a straight choice between Al Hilal’s Darwin Nunez (10.0m) and Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney (10.5m), I’m going to place my bets on the former Brentford man this week.

LOUIS SAID…

Goalkeepers

After coming in, Grohe immediately kept a clean sheet in Round 2, and could repeat that this week against Al Fayha. I also think Neom SC’s Luis Maximiano and Al-Nassr’s Raghed Najjar for a home match v Al Riyadh could have potential.

Defenders

With 18 points in two matches, Al Nassr’s Muahnnad Al Shaqiti looks like a strong pick again this week at home. Neom’s Zeze is another player who could have multiple routes to points this week. Meanwhile, I expect Roger Ibanez to continue his form. With doubts around Joao Cancelo, I think Theo Hernandez could be a good option, even against tough opposition.

Midfielders

Steven Bergwijn has been in sensational form, racking up five goals and one assist in all competitions thus far. Al Nassr’s Kingsley Coman has a home match to continue his great start to life in Saudi too. Penalty taker Yannick Carrasco has managed back-to-back goals, while don’t be surprised to see Moussa Diaby and Said Benrahma among the goals this week either.

Forwards

A brace in the previous round and a good home fixture this week make Alexandre Lacazette the standout striker this week for me. You can never rule out Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo either, who bagged three goals for his country during the break. Mateo Retegui is another Saudi Pro League newcomer impressing. The Italian has a great home fixture to add to his tally. I also like Bliz Kramer‘s potential for Al Okhood against Neom and Ivan Toney.

AMER SAID…

Goalkeepers

Grohe – 4.5: Al Shabab’s goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet last week, faces Al Fayha, a team that failed to score in the previous round with only 0.39 expected goals. High chance of a clean sheet.

Raghed Al Najjar – 4.0: Saved a penalty last round. Plays for Al Nassr, the strongest defence so far, and faces Al Riyadh. If the main goalkeepers are not fit, he will likely start—especially after his strong display last round—with a high clean sheet probability.

Maximiano – 4.5. The new goalkeeper for Neom, expected to secure a clean sheet against Al Okhdood.
Neom ranks as the fifth-best defence in the league after the first two rounds.

Defenders

Muhannad Al Shanqiti – 5.0: Although he hasn’t kept a clean sheet yet, he has scored 18 points in two games, netting a goal in the last match. Plays in an advanced role with three shots taken so far.

Iñigo Martínez – 5.5: Part of the strongest defence in the league. Excellent in accurate passing and defensive actions. Scored a goal last round, ranks second among defenders for points and fourth in accurate passes with 123 completed.

Saadane – 5.0: Leads all defenders in defensive actions (32 in two rounds). Faces Al Hazem, who struggle offensively. Al Fateh are under pressure to win after stumbling in their first two games. Big clean sheet potential.

Zeze – 4.5: Didn’t feature in GW1 but started in GW2, scoring five points despite no clean sheet. Dangerous on set pieces with two shots last game. Faces Al Okhdood, who have defensive weaknesses.

Hendry – 5.0: Al Ettifaq kept a clean sheet against Al Ahli last round and are one of the best defensive teams. Strong in passing and defensive work, and a set-piece threat. Facing Al Taawoun, who have been vulnerable on set pieces (xG conceded from set plays vs Al Okhdood = 0.99).

Midfielders

Bergwijn – 9.5: Al Ittihad’s standout player and penalty taker. Has contributed in both opening rounds with three goals scored. Faces Najma, who conceded five goals in the first two games without a clean sheet. Also scored in the AFC Champions Elite tournament. In top form right now.

Matías Vargas – 7.5: Second among midfielders for shots taken (nine in two rounds). Al Fateh created five big chances vs Al Ittihad, and now face Al Hazem who struggle defensively. Also on set pieces.

Coman – 8.0: One of the most active midfielders with nine shots so far, plus both a goal and an assist in the first two rounds. Plays at home against Al Riyadh, who haven’t kept a clean sheet yet.

Benrahma – 7.5: Has five shots so far, though no returns yet. Expected to contribute against Al Okhdood, whose defence has already been exploited by top players (Barrow, Benzema both earned among the highest ratings against them).

Carrasco – 7.0: Delivered in both opening rounds with goals. Faces Al Fayha, who are weak defensively. Has six shots and two big chances created, also on penalties. A strong option this week.

Forwards

Lacazette – 7.0: Scored two goals last round and now faces Al Okhdood, the league’s weakest defence, who have conceded the most points to opposition players in the first two rounds. Also on penalties.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 14.0: Leads all forwards in shots with 13. Faces Al Riyadh at home, with Al Nassr being one of the most attacking teams in the opening two rounds. High scoring potential.

Enrique – 5.5: Al Kholood striker and a true differential pick with almost no ownership. Plays at home against Damac, who struggle against strikers. Al Khaleej are under pressure to win after two disappointing results.

Hamdallah – 9.0: Getting plenty of big chances and looks set to score his first goal of the season against Al Fayha, who have defensive weaknesses.

Toney – 10.5m: Despite the tough fixture against Al Hilal, he has a strong record with four goals in the last three matches between the two sides.

MORE ON RSL FANTASY

If you’re looking for more, you can see the latest up-to-date league table on the official website, peruse our introductory strategy guide, keep tabs on set-piece takers and join the FFS mini-league (with £500+ worth of prizes) here.

As usual, Premium FFS members get even more – you can browse all the underlying Statsbomb data tables relating to the game in a dedicated part of the Members Area, play around with an editable fixture ticker for forward planning, and look out for extra team reveals and articles for each game week.