Just ahead of the new deadline, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 13 players of Roshn Saudi League (RSL) Fantasy.
Looking at these fixtures in isolation, our team of Amer, Louis and Chubbs are discussing the best picks.
N.B: Scout is not being paid to promote this game, either by the RSL or Saudi Pro League (SPL).
SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 13
| | AMER | LOUIS | CHUBBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Marek Rodak | Anthony Moris | Marek Rodak |
| | Anthony Moris | Marek Rodak | Luis Maximiano |
| | Bruno Varela | Bruno Varela | Bruno Varela |
| DEF | Francisco Calvo | Theo Hernandez | Francisco Calvo |
| | Theo Hernandez | Francisco Calvo | Theo Hernandez |
| | Nathan Zeze | Nathan Zeze | Nathan Zeze |
| | M. Al Shamat | M. Al Shamat | M. Al Shamat |
| | Marwane Saadane | Marwane Saadane | Ahmed Bamasud |
| MID | Joao Felix | Gini Wijnaldum | Joao Felix |
| | Sergej Milinkovic-Savic | Joao Felix | Kostas Fortounis |
| | Gini Wijnaldum | Sergej Milinkovic-Savic | Gini Wijnaldum |
| | Matias Vargas | Kostas Fortounis | Matias Vargas |
| | Giorgos Masouras | Matias Vargas | Valentin Vada |
| FWD | Cristiano Ronaldo | Cristiano Ronaldo | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| | Joshua King | Joshua King | Joshua King |
| | Matteo Retegui | Matteo Retegui | Alexandre Lacazette |
| | Alexandre Lacazette | Ramiro Enrique | Matteo Retegui |
| | Ramiro Enrique | Alexandre Lacazette | Ramiro Enrique |
AMER SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
Marek Rodak faces Al-Okhdood this week, a side that struggles offensively, which gives him a strong chance of returning with a clean sheet.
Anthony Moris comes up against Al-Najma in a fixture where a clean sheet is highly expected, with the opposition offering very little threat going forward.
Bruno Varela has been very impressive between the posts, producing a high volume of saves and currently ranking as the second-highest scoring goalkeeper.
DEFENDERS
Francisco Calvo benefits from Al-Ettifaq’s 5-3-2 system, which allows him to push forward regularly. He took a shot against Al-Nassr, scored against Al-Riyadh, and now faces Al-Okhdood in a very favourable fixture.
Theo Hernandez rewarded patience after a one-point return that owed more to bad luck than poor performance. He followed that up with two goals and a 22-point haul last gameweek, even without a clean sheet, and looks a must-have option against Damac.
Nathan Zézé shapes up as a strong option this gameweek. He missed two big chances against Al-Ittihad but remains very solid defensively and now faces Al-Hazm, where a clean sheet is expected.
Marwane Saadane stands out for his defensive contributions and advanced midfield role for Al-Fateh. His threat from set pieces adds to his appeal, making him a strong option this round.
M. Al Shamat remains a strong option despite Al-Qadsiah failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches. The upcoming fixture against Al-Riyadh offers a good chance of a shut-out, while his attacking threat further boosts his appeal.
MIDFIELDERS
João Félix benefits from playing in Al-Nassr’s potent attack and now faces Al-Ahli, who are dealing with defensive absences, making him a strong option this gameweek.
Sergej Milinković-Savić has been Al-Hilal’s highest-scoring player over the last two gameweeks, leading the side for shots and big chances. He is in excellent form ahead of a favourable fixture against Damac.
Gini Wijnaldum continues to thrive in Al-Ettifaq’s 5-3-2 system. He has registered attacking returns in each of the last four matches and now faces Al-Okhdood, a side that struggles defensively.
Matías Vargas arrives in excellent form after scoring three goals across the last two gameweeks. Operating in a forward role, he looks a strong option against Al-Shabab, who have defensive issues.
Giorgos Masouras faces Al-Najma this week, a side that struggles defensively. He missed a big chance last gameweek but still stands out as a strong differential option.
FORWARDS
Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Al-Ahli, who are missing key defensive players, and remains a premium option capable of delivering returns in any fixture.
Joshua King has a favourable matchup against Al-Najma, a team that struggles defensively, making him a strong option for this gameweek.
Matteo Retegui continues his fine form after scoring in each of the last two gameweeks. He now faces Al-Riyadh, a side that often struggles to deal with strikers.
Alexandre Lacazette comes up against Al-Hazm, who struggle defensively and conceded six big chances to Al-Riyadh in the previous gameweek.
Ramiro Enrique impressed with an excellent performance against Al-Hilal and now faces Al-Fayha, a side that struggles against strikers, making him a strong option this round.
CHUBBS SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
The goalkeeper options this week offer strong clean-sheet potential. They all sit in cheaper price brackets than Bono, Édouard Mendy, and Koen Casteels.
DEFENDERS
Theo Hernandez brings huge attacking upside. He plays in one of the league’s strongest defences. You can set and forget him.
Francisco Calvo benefits from Al-Ettifaq’s excellent fixture run. He starts every match. He attacks set pieces with real threat.
M. Al Shamat delivers high attacking upside. He also enjoys a strong home fixture this week.
Ahmed Bamasud works as a cheap enabler. He also has a favourable home fixture this round.
Nathan Zézé costs just 4.6m. He starts every match. The away fixture still suits him.
MIDFIELDERS
João Félix offers a consistent attacking threat. You can treat him as a set-and-forget pick.
Kostas Fortounis lines up as a midfielder but plays up front. He faces one of the weakest teams in the league. Al-Khaleej also enter a strong fixture run.
Gini Wijnaldum leads Al-Ettifaq’s attack. The fixtures suit him perfectly. He stands out as a captain option this week.
Matías Vargas delivers back-to-back double-digit hauls. He carries a constant goal threat. Al-Fateh’s fixtures strengthen his appeal.
Valentin Vada may not offer the ideal entry point. He still dominates his price bracket. He would justify a higher price tag.
FORWARDS
Cristiano Ronaldo demands selection. Lock him into your team.
Joshua King becomes a top option if he starts. The fixtures suit him. He ranks among the league’s leading scorers.
Alexandre Lacazette starts every match and takes penalties. He faces a weak defence. His price makes him excellent value.
Matteo Retegui costs more than most forwards. He rewards the investment. He plays at home, takes penalties, and finishes chances clinically.
Ramiro Enrique offers a reliable budget option. He starts every match. You can play him in most fixtures.
LOUIS SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
To begin with, a strong budget goalkeeper option appears in Anthony Moris, who benefits from an excellent fixture this week. He should pick up a clean sheet.
Similarly, Marek Rodak provides another appealing route into a favourable defensive matchup. With the opposition struggling to create chances, he should have potential this week.
Meanwhile, consistency between the posts keeps Bruno Varela firmly on the radar. In particular, his high save volume raises his points floor and allows him to return even when his defence concedes.
DEFENDERS
When it comes to attacking defenders, Theo Hernandez continues to stand out. A brace last time out is exactly why you can’t back against him.
Along similar lines, Francisco Calvo gains value from a system that encourages forward runs. On top of that, he remains nailed and carries clear set-piece threat.
For those seeking value, Nathan Zézé ticks several boxes. He starts regularly, defends aggressively, and despite the away fixture, the matchup still supports clean-sheet potential. He also scored recently!
At the same time, attacking involvement lifts the ceiling for M. Al Shamat, especially in a home fixture that favours defensive returns.
Marwane Saadane is an appealing pick. He plays in a more advanced position than his in-game position suggests, giving him more attacking potential.
MIDFIELDERS
Gini Wijnaldum has been fantastic as of late. The Dutchman can’t stop picking up returns, and I don’t think that will stop this week.
Joao Felix remains an essential weekly pick. Playing in an Al-Nassr side that are offensively relentless makes him a shoo-in.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is one route into the Al-Hilal attack, whilst the likes of Ruben Neves and Salem Al-Dawsar recover from injury.
In addition, out-of-position potential boosts the case for Kostas Fortounis, who plays closer to goal than his classification suggests. Facing a weak opponent only strengthens his short- and long-term value.
Recent returns further underline the appeal of Matias Vargas, who continues to operate in advanced areas. Combined with a kind fixture run, this makes him a strong option to hold.
FORWARDS
Above all, never overthink Cristiano Ronaldo, as doing so can quickly damage both overall rank and mini-league position.
In addition, if he starts, Joshua King also offers significant upside. With favourable fixtures on the horizon, his goal threat extends not only into this gameweek but beyond it as well.
Finally, reliability defines the appeal of Matteo Retegui, who starts every match, takes a share of penalties, and thrives in home fixtures. Meanwhile, for added budget flexibility, Ramiro Enrique rounds things off as a nailed option who offers steady returns across most matchups.
MORE ON RSL FANTASY
If you’re looking for more, you can see the latest up-to-date league table on the official website, read 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 articles for each round.
