Just ahead of the new deadline, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 17 players of Roshn Saudi League (RSL) Fantasy.

Looking at these fixtures in isolation, our team of Amer, Chubbs and Louis 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).

• READ MORE: Salah, Marmoush + more: 14 players back from AFCON in Gameweek 23

SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 17

AMER SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

A favourable home fixture awaits Fernando Pacheco against Al-Kholood, a side that have struggled in attack in recent weeks. His shot-stopping ability remains reliable, giving him a strong chance of returning a clean sheet.

An excellent matchup against Al-Hazem puts Mailson firmly on the radar. With Al-Taawoun continuing to look defensively solid, expectations remain high for another shutout.

Save potential keeps Abdulrahman Al Sanbi firmly in consideration. While the fixture looks tougher on paper, Al-Ahli rank among the strongest defensive units this season, which boosts his overall appeal.

DEFENDERS

Attacking threat from the back makes Francisco Calvo an outstanding option once again. He has registered six big chances across his last three matches and continues to deliver consistent involvement in the final third. He feels close to essential this round.

Despite an early substitution limiting his output last match, Muhannad Shanqeeti still managed to find a big chance. His recent form remains encouraging, with two goals and one assist across his last four appearances.

A strong defensive opportunity presents itself for Theo Hernandez against Al-Fayha. Alongside clean sheet potential, his attacking involvement adds significant upside, making him one of the standout defensive options this week.

Creative influence remains high for Mohammed Al Shamat, who has been involved in four goals across the last two rounds. He leads all defenders for assists (six) and big chances created (nine), offering consistent attacking output against any opponent.

A comfortable fixture against Damac places Nawaf Boushal in a strong position. Clean sheet potential looks high, making him a reliable defensive selection.

MIDFIELDERS

Goals continue to flow for Julian Quinones, who has scored seven times across his last five matches. With Al-Qadsiah in strong attacking form and Al-Ittihad missing their first-choice goalkeeper, his chances of finding the net remain very high.

Recent performances highlight Kingsley Coman as one of Al-Nassr’s most dangerous attackers. He leads the side for shots and big chances in recent matches, scored last time out, and now faces a favourable fixture against Damac.

Al-Hilal’s attacking strength makes Malcom a standout option against an Al-Fayha defence that continues to struggle. He carries strong potential for returns in this matchup.

Improving attacking form has brought returns for Yannick Carrasco over the last two rounds. He remains central to Al-Shabab’s creativity, holds penalty and set-piece duties, and faces an Al-Najmah side with clear defensive weaknesses.

Budget appeal comes into play with Rakan Al Tulahi, who has delivered contributions in each of his last three matches. Al-Najma have conceded heavily in recent rounds, making him a strong differential option.

FORWARDS

Form remains excellent for Ivan Toney, who has produced returns in each of his last five matches. Six goals and two assists underline his consistency, with penalty duties further boosting his appeal against an Al-Khaleej defence that has struggled all season.

A promising fixture against Damac gives Cristiano Ronaldo a strong opportunity to bounce back. Despite blanking last round, the matchup suits his strengths and places him firmly among the top forward options.

Penalty duties enhance the appeal of Roger Martinez in a clash with Al-Hazem. Given their defensive issues, he carries a strong chance of finding the scoresheet this round.

Another attractive attacking setup awaits Darwin Nunez against Al-Fayha. With the volume of big chances he continues to receive, involvement in attacking returns looks highly likely.

Differential potential stands out for Morlaye Sylla, who faces an Al-Okhdood side that regularly struggle against forwards. He offers a strong chance of delivering a goal at low ownership.

CHUBBS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Al-Shabab have not fully convinced this season, but this could be the fixture that helps them reset. Marcelo Grohe benefits from strong clean sheet potential and looks well placed to deliver points this round.

Al-Taawoun continue to impress as one of the league’s surprise packages, which keeps Mailson firmly on the radar. With another favourable matchup, a clean sheet once again looks very achievable.

Strong value for money makes Milan Borjan an appealing option this week. He comes into a very good fixture and arrives off the back of a confidence-boosting penalty save last round.

DEFENDERS

Security of minutes and consistent attacking output make Theo Hernandez one of the standout defensive picks. Playing for one of the league’s strongest defensive units, he also benefits from an excellent home fixture this round.

Differential appeal stands out for Wesley Hoedt. He offers threat in both penalty areas and continues to post strong baseline DEFCON numbers, making this fixture particularly attractive.

A smart route into the Al-Taawoun backline comes via Waleed Al Ahmed. He features among the highest-scoring defenders this season and now benefits from another strong fixture.

Budget flexibility makes Hassan Al Tambakti appealing as a cheaper entry into the Al-Hilal defence. He comes into this round full of confidence after scoring and collecting maximum bonus points last time out.

Recent performances have highlighted Francisco Calvo as one of the form defenders in the game. His ability to operate out of position as a wing-back or even higher up the pitch increases his upside, and a favourable home fixture against NEOM adds further appeal.

MIDFIELDERS

Everything continues to run through Yannick Carrasco in attack. With guaranteed minutes, penalty duties, and talisman status, he shapes up as one of the strongest captaincy options of the round given the fixture.

Set-piece and penalty responsibility keeps Ruben Neves firmly in the conversation. His recent performances for Al-Hilal have been excellent, offering multiple routes to points, with attacking returns often translating into bonus as well. Another strong captaincy candidate.

Creativity and fixture combine nicely for Angelo Fulgini. This matchup suits his skillset perfectly and makes him a standout differential, especially with his striker in relentless scoring form.

Higher price brings higher upside for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. While he costs more than Ruben Neves, his ceiling remains extremely high, and this fixture presents an ideal opportunity to chase a haul.

Value seekers may turn to Toze, who continues to offer reliability through consistent minutes and penalty duties. Al-Riyadh face a favourable fixture this round despite playing away from home.

FORWARDS

A rare blank last time out should not put managers off Cristiano Ronaldo. He remains a premium captaincy option almost every week, and this fixture again offers strong scoring potential. Going without him looks risky.

Proven finishing quality makes Matteo Retegui a strong consideration. Although the fixture looks challenging on paper, Al-Ittihad have struggled defensively this season, and playing at home boosts his goal threat.

Momentum sits firmly with Roger Martinez after a hat-trick last round. With Al-Hazem visiting next, his talisman role, guaranteed minutes, and penalty duties make him a must-consider forward.

Red-hot form continues for Ivan Toney, who has transformed Al-Ahli’s attack in recent weeks. As the focal point with penalties and consistent minutes, he carries major upside in another strong home fixture.

For managers needing funds elsewhere, Morlaye Sylla offers a cheap differential route into attack. He provides flexibility while still carrying upside in the right matchup.

LOUIS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Al-Shabab haven’t been great recently, but their opponents are poor, which makes Marcelo Grohe a good pick this week.

Both Al-Tawoun’s Mailson and Al-Fateh’s Fernando Pacheco are also good options with clean sheet potential.

DEFENDERS

Al Hilal have a great fixture this week, so Theo Hernandez remains essential for fantasy managers.

I like Al-Shabab’s chances of a clean sheet this week, so Wesley Hoedt comes into mind.

Al Nassr’s Nawaf Boushal, Al-Ettifaq’s attacking Francisco Calvo and Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi all have potential too this week.

MIDFIELDERS

Yannick Carrasco comes back into my thinking after a tough period of fixtures, he could be an excellent pick every week moving forward.

I also expect Al-Fateh’s Mourad Batna to bounce back after blanking last time out.

Don’t sleep on Joao Felix. Al-Nassr have been poor as of late, but they have great fixtures moving forward, so Felix could have haul capability.

Al-Qadsiah’s Julian Quinones has been non-stop returning as of late, whilst Al-Ettifaq’s Gini Wijnaldum should come back into the starting XI this time around.

FORWARDS

Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo remains a good option, even with recent poor performances.

Roger Martinez bagged a hattrick in his previous match, so going without him in a good fixture is scary.

Al-Hilal’s Darwin Nunez, Al-Ahly’s Ivan Toney and Al-Qadsiah’s Matteo Retegui should all have good weeks.