Just ahead of the double, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 31 players for 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: Saudi Fantasy: Round 31 Team Reveals

SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 31

AMER SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Edouard Mendy stands out as one of the leading goalkeeper options this round. Al-Ahli Saudi FC look well placed for defensive returns, with a Double Gameweek against Al-Okhdood Club and Al-Fateh SC – two sides that have struggled for attacking output.

Save potential alone keeps Marcelo Grohe firmly in the conversation. Clean sheets may be harder to come by against Al-Taawoun FC and Al-Nassr FC, but his ability to rack up save points could still see him deliver.

As for Fernando Pacheco, he comes into the round in strong form, having collected 21 points across the last three Gameweeks. With Al-Fateh SC showing defensive resilience, there’s a solid platform for further returns as they face NEOM SC and Al-Ahli Saudi FC in their Double Gameweek.

DEFENDERS

Fresh off an 18-point return, Theo Hernandez looks primed for another big round. With a Double Gameweek against Al-Hazem FC and Al-Khaleej FC, both attacking and clean sheet potential are firmly on the table.

Clean sheets and bonus look well within reach for Mohamed Simakan, who also carries a real threat from set pieces. Al-Nassr FC come into this on the back of three consecutive shutouts and now face Al-Qadsiah FC and Al-Shabab FC in the double.

There’s plenty to like about Roger Ibanez, too. A magnet for bonus points and a danger at set plays, he heads into fixtures against Al-Okhdood Club and Al-Fateh SC with strong clean sheet potential.

Budget routes can often make the difference, and Majed Qasheesh fits that bill nicely. The Al-Fateh SC defender has picked up 12 points across the last two rounds and could continue that run against NEOM SC and Al-Ahli Saudi FC through defensive contributions alone.

Another name worth considering is Pedro Rebocho, who offers a blend of defensive and attacking upside. Al-Khaleej FC take on Damac FC and Al-Hilal SFC in their Double Gameweek, and his chance creation adds another route to returns.

MIDFIELDERS

In midfield, recent form puts Sergej Milinkovic-Savic firmly on the radar after 23 points in his last two Gameweeks. A key figure for Al-Hilal SFC, he faces Al-Hazem FC and Al-Khaleej FC, both vulnerable sides from set pieces.

Attacking momentum continues for Kingsley Coman, who has delivered 2 goals and 1 assist across the last three Gameweeks. Al-Nassr FC’s clashes with Al-Qadsiah FC and Al-Shabab FC present further opportunities for returns.

Set pieces and attacking threat keep Yannick Carrasco in the conversation. After a 10-point haul last time out, he faces Al-Taawoun FC and Al-Nassr FC in a Double Gameweek that could suit his style.

With arguably the standout fixtures of the round, Al-Ahli Saudi FC assets carry huge appeal -and Riyad Mahrez is right at the centre of that. Facing Al-Okhdood Club and Al-Fateh SC, he offers strong goal and assist potential, alongside set-piece duties.

Consistency has been key for Giorgos Masouras, who has returned 22 points over the last three Gameweeks. Even with a tougher Double Gameweek against Damac FC and Al-Hilal SFC, his attacking threat keeps him firmly in the mix.

FORWARDS

Leading the line, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to deliver. With four goals and one assist in the last four Gameweeks, plus penalty duties, he’ll be a major threat against Al-Qadsiah FC and Al-Shabab FC.

A return to form puts Joshua King back on the radar after a 19-point haul in the previous round. Matches against Damac FC and Al-Hilal SFC provide a strong platform for further attacking returns.

Despite a blank last time out, the fixtures fall nicely for Karim Benzema, who faces Al-Hazem FC and Al-Khaleej FC – two sides that have struggled defensively – making him a strong candidate to bounce back.

Chances haven’t been an issue for Al-Shabab FC, and Abderazak Hamdallah will be eager to capitalise. With matches against Al-Taawoun FC and Al-Nassr FC, he remains a solid attacking option with multiple routes to points.

Even without a Double Gameweek, Moussa Dembele still demands attention. A meeting with Al-Najma SC, a side struggling defensively, gives him every chance of delivering a return.

CHUBBS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Between the sticks, Edouard Mendy stands out as the safest option for minutes, paired with two home fixtures in the Double Gameweek – making him my standout goalkeeper this round.

A slightly cheaper route comes via Yassine Bono, who, despite playing away twice, still benefits from Al-Hilal SFC’s strong fixtures. A reliable way into one of the league’s best defences.

If budget is tight, Marcelo Grohe offers real value at £4.5m. Two home matches in the double only strengthen his case, especially if you’re looking to free up funds elsewhere.

DEFENDERS

Fresh off an 18-point haul, Theo Hernandez reminded everyone of his explosive upside last round -exactly the kind of return he’s capable of delivering.

My standout Al-Ahli Saudi FC defender this week is Roger Ibanez. A consistent points magnet across clean sheets, bonus and attacking threat, and he also benefits from two home fixtures in the double.

For those looking to save cash, Hassan Altambakti provides a cheaper route into the Al-Hilal SFC backline. His 11-point return last round highlights his potential as a solid alternative to premium defenders.

There’s growing confidence in the Al-Nassr FC defence, and Mohamed Simakan is right at the heart of that. A clean sheet and three bonus points last time out underline his appeal.

Rounding things off is Saad Balobaid, who offers strong upside for his price point. Among the budget defenders, he arguably carries the highest ceiling this round.

MIDFIELDERS

Value and role make Joao Felix extremely appealing right now. He looks under-priced and remains a key part of the Al-Nassr FC attack – one to lock in for the Double Gameweek.

A more premium route comes via Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who continues to offer goal threat from midfield. He’s a strong differential option heading into the double.

With Ivan Toney suspended, Riyad Mahrez could take on penalty duties – at least for the first match -which only boosts his already strong appeal this round.

Few players tick as many boxes as Yannick Carrasco. Minutes, set pieces and penalties all point in his favour, making him difficult to overlook as Al-Shabab FC’s talisman.

Despite a frustrating blank last round while teammates delivered, Kostas Fortounis remains a solid option. His underlying involvement keeps him firmly in contention for returns.

FORWARDS

Relentless as ever, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase records and the title with Al-Nassr FC. You’d back him to deliver again.

For me, Karim Benzema remains the standout premium forward for the run-in – fitness permitting. If he stays on the pitch, the points should follow.

Confidence is high for Joshua King after his 19-point haul last round. The question now is can he replicate that across the Double Gameweek?

A real differential punt comes in the form of Firas Al-Burikan, especially with Ivan Toney missing the first match, opening the door for increased involvement.

Finally, Fahad Al Zubaie offers a budget-friendly enabler. If you need funds elsewhere, he’s expected to start both games for Al-Fateh SC and could prove useful.

LOUIS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Leading the way is Edouard Mendy, who looks the standout pick for security of starts and fixtures. Two home matches in the double only strengthen his appeal, especially given Al-Ahli’s strong defensive potential against weaker attacking sides.

Another premium route comes via Marcelo Grohe, who also benefits from playing twice at home. At £4.5m, he offers excellent value and could easily match higher-priced options through save points and potential clean sheets.

Form is firmly on the side of Fernando Pacheco, who has returned 21 points across the last three Gameweeks. With Al-Fateh showing defensive resilience, he heads into a Double Gameweek against NEOM and Al-Ahli with a solid chance of further returns.

DEFENDERS

Fresh off an 18-point haul, Theo Hernandez demonstrated exactly why he’s such a popular pick. With a Double Gameweek against Al-Hazem FC and Al-Khaleej FC, he offers both attacking returns and strong clean sheet potential.

Consistency and all-round output make Roger Ibanez one of the standout defensive picks. A real bonus points magnet with set-piece threat, he also benefits from two favourable fixtures in the double.

There’s growing confidence in the Al-Nassr defence, and Mohamed Simakan is central to that improvement. A clean sheet and three bonus points last round highlight both his defensive and underlying appeal.

For those looking slightly cheaper, Pedro Rebocho offers a balanced option. With a Double Gameweek against Damac and Al-Hilal, his chance creation gives him an additional route to points beyond clean sheets.

Rounding things off is Saad Balobaid, who stands out among the budget defenders. While cheaper, his upside remains high, making him an ideal enabler with potential for returns.

MIDFIELDERS

A standout budget-friendly pick is Joao Felix, who looks heavily under-priced given his role in the Al-Nassr attack. With two favourable fixtures, he’s one of the easiest inclusions this round.

For those willing to spend more, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic offers significant goal threat. His recent returns and importance to Al-Hilal make him a strong differential option in the double.

Penalty potential boosts the appeal of Riyad Mahrez, especially with Ivan Toney unavailable for the first match. Combined with strong fixtures against Al-Okhdood and Al-Fateh, he has multiple routes to points.

Few midfielders tick as many boxes as Yannick Carrasco. With minutes, set pieces and penalties in his favour, he remains a key attacking outlet for Al-Shabab and a very reliable pick.

Despite a frustrating blank last time out, Kostas Fortounis still looks a solid option. His involvement in Al-Khaleej’s attack remains high, and the Double Gameweek offers a strong opportunity to bounce back.

FORWARDS

Leading the line is Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to deliver at an elite level. With four goals and one assist in his last four Gameweeks, plus penalty duties, he remains one of the most reliable captaincy options.

Another premium option is Karim Benzema, who has the fixtures to return despite a recent blank. Facing sides struggling defensively, he’s well placed to deliver across the Double Gameweek – fitness permitting.

Momentum is with Joshua King, who exploded for 19 points last round. The key question now is whether he can maintain that level across two fixtures.

There’s also strong appeal in Abderazak Hamdallah, with Al-Shabab creating plenty of chances. His ability to convert those opportunities makes him a solid pick heading into the double.

Finally, Moussa Dembele offers a slightly different angle. Without a Double Gameweek, he still faces a favourable matchup against a defensively weak opponent, giving him every chance to return.