Just ahead of the new deadline, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 22 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).
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SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 22
| | AMER | CHUBBS | LOUIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Mailson | Juan Cozzani | Edouard Mendy |
| | Edouard Mendy | Bono | Juan Cozzani |
| | Juan Cozzani | Edouard Mendy | Bono |
| DEF | Mohammed Al-Shamat | Sultan Tanker | Roger Ibanez |
| | Roger Ibanez | Mohammed Al-Shamat | Theo Hernandez |
| | Mohamed Simakan | Roger Ibanez | Mohammed Al-Shamat |
| | Kalidou Koulibaly | Theo Hernandez | Mohamed Simakan |
| | Mohammed Al-Dossari | Danilo Pereira | Danilo Pereira |
| MID | Julian Quinones | Fabio Martins | Julian Quinones |
| | Sadio Mane | Joao Felix | Giorgos Masouras |
| | Malcom | Julian Quinones | Joao Felix |
| | Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa | Kostas Fortounis | Angelo Fulgini |
| | Giorgos Masouras | Sadio Mane | Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa |
| FWD | Ivan Toney | Roger Martinez | Karim Benzema |
| | Joshua King | Joshua King | Roger Martinez |
| | Roger Martinez | Ivan Toney | Ivan Toney |
| | Karim Benzema | Karim Benzema | Joshua King |
| | Leandro Antunes | Omar Al-Somah | Omar Al-Somah |
AMER…
GOALKEEPERS
Mailson looks well placed for a clean sheet this round against Damac, who continue to struggle in front of goal after failing to score in each of their last three matches.
Playing behind one of the league’s strongest defensive units, Edouard Mendy remains a reliable option. Al Ahli have kept five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, underlining their defensive dominance.
After recording a second straight clean sheet, Juan Cozzani has delivered 22 points across the last two rounds. A meeting with Al Najma, who are short of attacking threat, gives him a strong chance of further returns.
DEFENDERS
Among defenders, Mohammed Al-Shamat continues to stand out as the highest scorer in the game. He has returned in six of the last seven rounds, combining attacking output with consistent minutes to make him a top option once again.
With Al Ahli in excellent defensive form, Roger Ibañez offers plenty of appeal. He carries strong bonus-point potential and remains a major threat from set pieces, which elevates his ceiling this round.
No defender has scored more points over the last four rounds than Mohamed Simakan, who has also been part of four consecutive clean sheets. His bonus-point appeal, combined with Al Nassr’s defensive solidity, makes him a powerful pick.
After collecting 20 points across the last two rounds, Kalidou Koulibaly continues to impress. Al Hilal’s defensive strength boosts his appeal, while his set-piece threat adds further upside.
As a budget option, Mohammed Walid Al Dossari offers value in Al Taawoun’s back line. He faces a Damac side struggling offensively and also carries set-piece threat, having missed a big chance in the previous round.
MIDFIELDERS
In midfield, Julian Quinones remains the standout performer. He is the highest-scoring midfielder in the game and has contributed in each of his last ten matches. A fixture against Neom, who conceded three big chances last round, enhances his appeal.
Having scored 24 points over the last two rounds, Sadio Mane heads into a favourable matchup against a defensively vulnerable Al Fateh side. Operating as a striker in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence and retaining penalty duties further boosts his potential.
Following a 23-point haul last time out, Malcom looks well placed for another strong return. He faces Al Ettifaq and continues to rank among the midfielders receiving the most big chances.
As a budget midfield pick, Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa impressed with 15 points in the previous round. He now faces an Al Najma defence that has shown vulnerability, giving him a realistic chance of scoring again.
Against an Al Riyadh side struggling defensively, Giorgos Masouras shapes up as an excellent option. He missed a big chance in the previous round and remains capable of delivering attacking returns this week.
FORWARDS
Up front, Ivan Toney stands out as the highest-scoring forward this season. A fixture against Al Shabab, who have struggled defensively against forwards, offers a strong opportunity for further returns given Al Ahli’s attacking strength.
With Al Riyadh failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 14 matches, Joshua King emerges as a standout attacking pick. Supported by Al Khaleej’s attacking setup, he has the profile to exploit their defensive weaknesses.
After returning to the scoresheet last round, Roger Martinez showed strong underlying numbers, taking six shots and registering two big chances. He now faces Damac, who continue to struggle defensively against forwards.
A 27-point haul last time out puts Karim Benzema firmly on the radar. He faces an Al Ettifaq defence that has struggled against forwards, and with Al Hilal in strong attacking form, he ranks among the top options this round.
Finally, Leandro Antunes offers differential appeal against Al Khaleej, who conceded two big chances to forwards in the previous round. Antunes created a big chance, took six shots, and recorded two big chances himself last time out, making him a high-upside pick at very low ownership.
CHUBBS SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
If you’re looking for a budget goalkeeper with a standout fixture, Juan Cozzani fits the bill. He even picked up an assist in his last outing against Al Shabab, producing a haul that underlined his upside at this price point.
For those wanting a route into the Al Hilal defence, Bono remains one of the cheapest and most secure options. With a Double Gameweek approaching, he looks well placed for returns.
Similarly, Edouard Mendy offers a nailed route into the Al Ahli back line. Another double is on the horizon, which only strengthens his appeal.
DEFENDERS
If you need a cheap defensive enabler this week, Sultan Tanker benefits from one of the more favourable fixtures on the slate.
Consistency continues to define Mohammed Al-Shamat, who keeps delivering returns. His attacking potential, combined with playing in a strong defensive unit, makes him one of the standout defenders in the game right now.
At the back, Roger Ibañez remains a points magnet. He offers threat in both penalty areas and looks a strong acquisition ahead of an upcoming double in a few weeks.
Recent underperformance in terms of points has been frustrating for Theo Hernandez, but the underlying quality is still there. He remains a strong option, and patience could be rewarded.
From an Al Ittihad perspective, Danilo Pereira stands out as their best defensive pick. A steady source of points, he’s one to target between now and Double Gameweek 27.
MIDFIELDERS
In midfield, Fabio Martins offers differential appeal with OKH at home this week. A high percentage of Al Hazm’s fantasy output runs through him, which boosts his appeal.
Few players in the league carry the ceiling of Joao Felix, and this is not a pick that requires overthinking.
Returns continue to stack up for Julian Quinones, who remains one of the most reliable midfielders in the game. He also shapes up as a strong captaincy contender this round.
Back from injury and already on the scoresheet with an assist last time out, Kostas Fortounis now faces relegation-threatened Al Riyadh. That makes him a solid option this week.
With Al Nassr entering a favourable run of fixtures and many managers moving away from Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane presents an appealing alternative. He’s difficult to buy back into once sold, so there’s merit in acting early.
FORWARDS
As a value forward, Roger Martinez continues to impress. Al Taawoun face Damac next, a strong fixture for a talisman who also has penalty duties.
Against a side struggling defensively, Joshua King looks well placed this week. His appeal is further strengthened by Kostas Fortounis returning to the side.
In red-hot form and now facing a struggling Al Shabab defence, Ivan Toney could well be the standout captaincy option of the round.
After an impressive start to life at Al Hilal, Karim Benzema now prepares for a home debut. That makes him another leading captaincy candidate.
Finally, for those chasing rank, Omar Al-Somah offers differential appeal. The league’s all-time top scorer has one of the standout fixtures of the round and could be a shrewd forward punt.
LOUIS SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
Starting in goal, Edouard Mendy provides a secure route into one of the league’s strongest defences. Al Ahli continue to show consistency at the back, which makes him a great pick.
Alongside him, Juan Cozzani stands out as a budget-friendly goalkeeper with immediate appeal. He comes into this round in good form after contributing points in consecutive matches, and a favourable fixture gives him every chance to deliver again.
Completing the goalkeeper group, Bono remains one of the most reliable and affordable ways into the Al Hilal defence. His nailed status, combined with an upcoming double, makes him an easy inclusion.
DEFENDERS
Defensively, Roger Ibañez continues to tick all the right boxes. He benefits from Al Ahli’s strong defensive platform, while also offering consistent bonus-point potential and a threat at set pieces.
Despite a quieter spell in terms of returns, Theo Hernandez remains a high-quality option. The recent lack of points is frustrating, but his role and attacking potential mean he’s still worth backing.
Few defenders match the consistency of Mohammed Al-Shamat, who continues to deliver returns on a regular basis. His attacking involvement, combined with a solid defensive setup, makes him one of the standout picks at the back.
Mohamed Simakan also comes into the round in excellent form. Recent clean sheets and strong bonus potential underline his appeal, particularly given Al Nassr’s defensive stability.
From Al Ittihad, Danilo Pereira stands out as the most reliable defensive option. His steady points output makes him a strong hold as we approach the next Double Gameweek.
MIDFIELDERS
In midfield, Julian Quinones remains one of the most dependable assets in the game. He continues to produce returns with impressive consistency and carries genuine captaincy appeal this round.
Offering differential upside, Giorgos Masouras faces a defence that has struggled in recent weeks. After missing a big chance last time out, he’ll be hoping to convert his opportunities this round.
Few midfielders possess the ceiling of Joao Felix, whose quality makes him hard to ignore. This is a pick that doesn’t need much justification given his ability to influence games.
Angelo Fulgini has frustrated as of late, even after producing an assist last time out, but he has a great fixture this week, so I think he’ll do well.
As a budget enabler, Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa continues to impress. His recent output and a favourable matchup make him a viable low-cost option with genuine attacking threat.
FORWARDS
Up front, Karim Benzema looks primed for another strong return. His immediate impact since joining Al Hilal, combined with a favourable fixture, puts him firmly in the captaincy conversation.
Roger Martinez remains one of the standout value picks among forwards. Operating as a focal point and handling penalties, he benefits from an appealing fixture that suits his role.
In red-hot form, Ivan Toney stands out as one of the strongest attacking options this week. His consistency and upcoming matchup make him a leading captaincy candidate.
Joshua King also features as a strong forward pick. With his side facing a defence that continues to struggle, and improved support around him, he looks well placed to deliver.
Finally, Omar Al-Somah offers differential appeal for managers looking to climb the rankings. With a standout fixture and his proven scoring pedigree, he could prove decisive this round.
