Just ahead of the new deadline, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 18 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: Fantasy Bundesliga Matchday 19 team reveals

SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 18

AMER SAID

GOALKEEPERS

Koen Casteels remains the highest-scoring goalkeeper in the game, leading the way for clean sheets. A meeting with Al-Najmah sets up well, with another shut-out firmly on the cards.

Strong defensive form from Al-Ettifaq puts Marek Rodák firmly in contention. His save volume stands out, and 26 points across the last three matches underline his appeal this round.

Shot-stopping continues to be the main strength of Bruno Varela. A fixture against Damac gives him a strong chance of combining saves with clean sheet potential.

DEFENDERS

Among defenders, Mohamed Al-Shamat continues to set the benchmark. He tops the scoring charts, leads defenders for assists, and has created more big chances than anyone in his position. A clash with Al-Najmah makes him difficult to ignore.

Few defenders match the all-round output of Danilo Pereira. He leads the way for bonus points, ranks highly for shots, and dominates for accurate passes. Facing Al-Okhdood, clean sheet potential looks high once again.

The numbers suggest patience with Theo Hernández could pay off. He fired off four shots last round and came close to scoring. Against Al-Riyadh, the upside remains clear.

Defensive reliability and set-piece threat make Roger Ibañez a strong option this week. He plays for one of the league’s most solid backlines in a fixture where another clean sheet is expected.

For managers seeking a differential, Mansour Hamzi offers value. Deployed high up the pitch, he faces Al-Shabab with both clean sheet potential and attacking upside.

MIDFIELDERS

In midfield, Julián Quiñones continues to lead the way. He’s the top-scoring midfielder in the game and arrives in outstanding form, with nine goals across his last six appearances. Al-Najmah’s defensive issues only strengthen his appeal.

With Ruben Neves suspended, Sergej Milinković-Savić offers a solid route into the Al-Hilal attack, who have a great fixture this week.

Recent data places Giorgos Masouras among the midfielders receiving the most big chances. Al-Khaleej’s attack looks well placed to exploit Al-Shabab’s defensive problems.

Consistency has defined the season for João Félix. As the second-highest-scoring midfielder, he faces an Al-Taawoun side that looked vulnerable defensively last round – a fixture that suits his profile.

Despite missing a penalty last week, Mourad Batna remains a strong option. His shot volume and set-piece involvement keep him firmly in the conversation, especially against an Al-Fayha defence that continues to struggle.

FORWARDS

Up front, Ivan Toney arrives in excellent form. Neom have found it difficult to contain central forwards, and with penalty duties secured, his chances of returning look high.

Another striker benefiting from favourable conditions is Joshua King. Al-Shabab have struggled against forwards, and his recent big-chance involvement makes him a strong option this round.

With Al-Ittihad pushing to return to winning ways, Karim Benzema stands out. Al-Okhdood have shown weaknesses against strikers, and penalty responsibility further boosts his appeal.

A fixture against Al-Riyadh puts Leonardo firmly on the radar. Their defensive issues against forwards give him a strong opportunity to add to his goal tally.

Finally, Yousef Al-Shammari offers budget value in attack. Two goals in his last three matches highlight growing confidence, and a meeting with Damac provides another opportunity as Al-Hazem’s attack continues to improve.

CHUBBS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Kevin offers strong value as a budget goalkeeper. He’s nailed for minutes and enters a favourable run of fixtures for his price point.

Returning from AFCON, Bono looks set to reclaim his place. He remains the cheapest and most secure route into a very strong Al Hilal defence.

After serving a suspension, Predrag Rajković should return this round. Several appealing home fixtures are coming up, starting this week.

DEFENDERS

Theo Hernández remains a high-ceiling defender. While he hasn’t quite reached the levels seen during his AC Milan spell, his minutes are secure and he remains a solid long-term option.

Attacking returns have arrived for Mohamed Al-Shamat, with three across his last two matches. He continues to offer a threat from defence and benefits from a strong fixture this round.

Another reliable route into the Al Ittihad backline comes through Danilo Pereira. He also performs well for defensive actions, giving him added bonus potential.

Abdelkader Bedrane stands out as a differential option. He provides access to the Al Damac defence, who have a promising run ahead. While he hasn’t fully hit top form yet, his history in the league suggests upside.

Despite a tricky home fixture against Al Ahli, Nathan Zézé remains the standout option in his price bracket. NEOM have been strong at home this season, which keeps him firmly in consideration.

MIDFIELDERS

The upside with Moussa Diaby remains high. Although he hasn’t matched last season’s output, his quality at this level is clear, making him a strong short-term and medium-term pick.

A favourable home fixture boosts the appeal of João Félix. His minutes are excellent and his quality consistently shines through, with points likely to keep ticking over.

Form continues to build for Sergej Milinković-Savić after another goal in the last round. With Rúben Neves suspended, penalty duties could also fall his way.

Julián Quiñones is quickly becoming close to essential. Operating out of position in a front two, he’s in red-hot form. The price is high, but the output justifies it, and he stands out as a leading captaincy option this round.

As Al Damac’s focal point, Valentín Vada remains a strong budget midfielder. Guaranteed minutes, penalty duties and improving fixtures make him an easy pick.

FORWARDS

Few players offer reliability like Cristiano Ronaldo. He continues to deliver at an elite level and remains one of the safest premium selections in the game.

Karim Benzema stands out as a premium captaincy option this week. He offers talisman status, secure minutes and penalty responsibility.

Despite recent attention shifting elsewhere, Mateo Retegui remains a strong asset. Minutes and penalties stay locked in, and the fixture this round suits him well.

Fresh from a hat-trick, Ivan Toney arrives in outstanding form. The fixture may be tougher than other premium options, but current momentum makes him difficult to ignore.

Finally, Enrique offers excellent value under £6.0m. A haul of two goals and one assist last round highlights his potential, and with Al Ettifaq at home next, he shapes up as a strong enabler if funds are needed elsewhere.

LOUIS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Koen Catseels seems like one of the best options between the sticks this week. He plays for a very good defensive side and has a nice fixture.

I also think that both Al-Fateh’s Fernando Pacheca and Al-Ettifaq’s Marek Rodak could be great options.

DEFENDERS

Al-Hilal’s Theo Hernandez remains an essential when fixtures are nice like this. He offers so much attacking threat.

Al-Ahli’s Roger Ibanez has been one of the most consistent defenders in the entire game, and has a great fixture this time out.

I also think that Al-Fateh’s Jorge Fernandes, Al-Ettifaq’s super-attacking Francisco Calvo, and maybe even Al-Khaleej’s Mansour Hamzi could be good picks.

MIDFIELDERS

Al-Qadsiah’s Julian Quinones has been on a jaw-dropping run of form recently, so he is arguably essential in the game.

Al-Hilal’s Sergej Milinković-Savić continues to pick up points through multiple routes, and his output is reflective of that.

Al-Ahly’s Riyad Mahrez returned from AFCON by creating an assist for his side last time out, and I think he could continue to churn out points in the round ahead.

Mourad Batna of Al-Fateh has been frustrating, but both him and Al-Ettifaq’s Gini Wijnaldum are their sides’ best attacking assets.

FORWARDS

Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney can’t seem to stop scoring, so he is a shoo-in with a nice upcoming fixture.

Matteo Retegui is returning far fewer points than teammate Quinones, but a good fixture this week makes him difficult to ignore.

Al-Hilal’s Darwin Nunez, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema are also good options. Although, Ronaldo really needs to start scoring to justify his high price tag.