Just ahead of the double, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 27 players for Roshn Saudi League (RSL) Fantasy.
Looking at these fixtures in isolation, our team of Amer, Mo 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: Saudi Fantasy: Round 27 team reveals
SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 27
| | AMER | MO | LOUIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Edouard Mendy | Bono | Edouard Mendy |
| | Bono | Edouard Mendy | Bono |
| | Luis Maximiano | Luis Maximiano | Predrag Rajkovic |
| DEF | Roger Ibanez | Theo Hernandez | Roger Ibanez |
| | Kalidou Koulibaly | Roger Ibanez | Theo Hernandez |
| | Danilo Pereira | Danilo Pereira | Danilo Pereira |
| | Nathan Zeze | Nathan Zeze | Nathan Zeze |
| | Chris Smalling | Chris Smalling | Chris Smalling |
| MID | Julian Quinones | Fashion Sakala | Fashion Sakala |
| | Fashion Sakala | Julian Quinones | Mourad Batna |
| | Mourad Batna | Sadio Mane | Sadio Mane |
| | Sadio Mane | Mourad Batna | Julian Quinones |
| | Hattan Bahebri | Hattan Bahebri | Hattan Bahebri |
| FWD | Ivan Toney | Karim Benzema | Ivan Toney |
| | Karim Benzema | Ivan Toney | Karim Benzema |
| | Alexandre Lacazette | Cristiano Ronaldo | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| | Cristiano Ronaldo | Alexandre Lacazette | Alexandre Lacazette |
| | Youssef En-Nesyri | Youssef En-Nesyri | Youssef En-Nesyri |
AMER SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
A standout option between the sticks this week is Edouard Mendy, who benefits from a double against Damac and Al Fayha. With Al Ahli’s strong defensive form, the clean sheet potential looks very promising.
Another top goalkeeper pick is Bono, also on a double against Al Taawoun and Al Kholood. There’s a solid chance of returns here, both through clean sheets and save points.
Even with two tougher fixtures, Luis Maximiano still appeals. Neom’s defence has improved, and with more shots likely coming his way, the save potential keeps him firmly in the conversation.
DEFENDERS
At the back, Roger Ibanez stands out as one of the best options this gameweek. A double against Damac and Al Fayha gives him strong clean sheet potential, alongside bonus and clear threat from set pieces.
There’s also plenty to like about Kalidou Koulibaly, who faces Al Taawoun and Al Kholood twice. The clean sheet potential is high, and he consistently picks up bonus, making him a very reliable pick.
Another strong defensive option is Danilo Pereira, with a double against Al Hazm and Neom at Al Ittihad’s stadium. The fixtures suggest a good chance of defensive returns, with added upside for bonus.
Nathan Zeze looks like a solid pick as well, particularly with a double against Al Fayha and Al Ittihad. He offers steady bonus potential and carries some threat from set pieces.
Meanwhile, Chris Smalling comes into this with a double against Neom and Al Ahli. He’s always a danger from set pieces and should be in the mix for bonus points again.
MIDFIELDERS
Despite not having a double gameweek, Julian Quinones still feels hard to ignore. He remains one of the top-scoring midfielders and faces an Al Ettifaq side that have struggled defensively.
Form is firmly on the side of Fashion Sakala, who has a double against Neom and Al Ahli. With penalties in his locker, he offers a clear route to points.
Even without a double, Mourad Batna has a great opportunity here. Facing Al Okhdood, a side with defensive issues, he has every chance to deliver – especially with penalties boosting his appeal.
There’s also growing interest in Sadio Mane, with positive news around his readiness for Al Najma. In a favourable matchup, he looks like a powerful option this week.
For those looking at budget options, Hattan Bahebri stands out. He has a double against Al Khaleej and Al Hilal and could even feature further forward in Enrique’s absence, increasing his upside.
FORWARDS
Up front, Ivan Toney looks like one of the standout picks. A double against Damac and Al Fayha, combined with penalty duties, gives him a strong chance of returns.
Another premium option is Karim Benzema, who faces Al Taawoun and Al Kholood at Al Hilal’s stadium. With two fixtures, he has every chance to get on the scoresheet.
Alexandre Lacazette also looks like a strong option this round. A double against Al Fayha and Al Ittihad – both of whom have struggled against forwards – gives him solid goal potential, especially with penalties.
There’s no ignoring Cristiano Ronaldo either. With confirmation of his readiness and a favourable fixture against Al Najma, he looks well placed to deliver.
If you’re chasing a differential, Youssef En-Nesyri could be the one. He has a double against Al Hazm and Neom, both vulnerable defensively, giving him a solid chance of returns.
LOUIS SAID
GOALKEEPERS
Double Gameweeks tend to dominate the template, so it’s no surprise that Al-Ahly’s Edouard Mendy and Al-Hilal’s Bono are top picks between the sticks this week.
I’d also expect Al-Ittihad’s Predrag Rajkovic to do well in two matches.
DEFENDERS
If Theo Hernandez is fully fit and there are no issues, then he could be the best of the bunch at the back this week. Going without him in a double would be very nervy I think.
Al Ahly’s Roger Ibanez has been one of the most consistent assets in the game and offers a safe floor due to defensive bonus.
Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Neom’s Nathan Zeze and Al-Fayha’s Chris Smalling are three more fantastic options for the upcoming round.
MIDFIELDERS
Fashion Sakala has been one of the top-performing midfielders as of late, and hugely explosive I should add. A double makes him a shoo-in in my opinion.
Whilst Mourad Batna only plays once, I’d expect him to perform well this week with Al-Okhdood. I could say similar things about Julian Quinones, who has been seemingly relentless this campaign.
Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane feels like another obvious pick heading into the round. With Joao Felix injured, he’s the next best pick I think.
Budget pick Hattan Bahebri should also do well with his fixtures. He’s cheap and not massively consistent, but his recent brace against Neom shows how much potential he has.
FORWARDS
Forwards are usually very straightforward when selecting. Ah Ahly’s Ivan Toney feels essential with his double. You could even argue that for Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
I’d expect Karim Benzema to do well with two matches as well. Although I imagine fitting all three forwards in that I have mentioned is quite tricky due to the budget.
Alexandre Lacazette and Youssef En-Nesyri are two more very good options who play twice this week.
MO SAID…
GOALKEEPERS
Double gameweeks are always key, and that’s exactly why both Bono and Edouard Mendy stand out this week. Both have strong fixtures on paper and play behind solid defensive sides, which gives them a great chance of clean sheets across the two games.
There’s also an interesting case for Luis Maximiano. The fixtures aren’t the easiest, but that could actually work in his favour from a save perspective. With Neom improving defensively, he still offers a nice balance of upside and volume.
DEFENDERS
At the back, Theo Hernandez feels like one of the standout picks if fully fit. The attacking upside he brings, combined with a double gameweek, makes him very hard to ignore.
Consistency continues to make Roger Ibanez a top option. He offers a strong baseline through defensive contributions, and with two fixtures, the chances of returns look very solid once again.
Alongside him, Danilo Pereira, Nathan Zeze, and Chris Smalling all come into the frame as excellent picks. Each has favourable fixtures and should benefit from increased minutes across the double, with clean sheets and bonus points firmly in play.
MIDFIELDERS
Form and fixtures both point towards Fashion Sakala, who looks like one of the standout midfielders this week. With a double gameweek and penalty duties, he has multiple routes to points.
Despite only playing once, Julian Quinones still demands attention. He’s been one of the most reliable performers all season, and against weaker opposition, he has every chance to deliver again.
A similar case can be made for Mourad Batna, who benefits from a favourable matchup and penalty responsibility. Even without a double, the upside is clearly there.
There’s also strong appeal in Sadio Mane, especially with positive news around his availability. In a good fixture, he looks well placed to make an impact.
For those looking to free up budget, Hattan Bahebri is an interesting option. He’s a bit more unpredictable, but his recent returns highlight the potential he offers, especially across multiple fixtures.
FORWARDS
Up front, Ivan Toney looks close to essential this week. A double gameweek combined with penalty duties gives him a very high ceiling.
Not far behind is Karim Benzema, who also benefits from two fixtures and remains a key focal point in attack. If you can fit him in, he offers strong goal potential.
Then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who never really needs much justification. With favourable conditions and a good matchup, he looks primed to deliver once again.
Rounding things off, both Alexandre Lacazette and Youssef En-Nesyri offer strong alternatives. Each has a double gameweek and faces opposition that can be exposed, making them excellent options if you’re looking to go slightly different.
