Just ahead of the Double Gameweek, our weekly Scout Squad piece tries to identify who will be the best Round 33 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 33 Team Reveals

SCOUT SQUAD: BEST SAUDI LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR ROUND 33

AMER SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Fernando Pacheco faces Al-Najma this week and looks like a strong option for Fantasy managers chasing a clean sheet. In addition, the fixture could also provide opportunities for save points, making him one of the more appealing goalkeeper picks for the round.

Meanwhile, Koen Casteels comes up against Al-Hazem and also has a very strong chance of keeping a clean sheet. Given the opposition, he could be one of the safer defensive options available this Gameweek.

For those looking for a cheaper route, Al Haidari stands out as an interesting budget option if the starting goalkeeper misses out. Despite conceding five goals last round, he still managed to collect four points thanks to an impressive 10 saves. Furthermore, a meeting with Al-Okhdood, who have struggled offensively, gives him another solid opportunity for returns.

DEFENDERS

At the back, Roger Ibañez heads into the round in brilliant form after producing 17 points last Gameweek. A fixture against Al-Kholood only boosts his appeal further, especially given his strong clean-sheet potential and ability to collect bonus points.

There is also plenty of appeal surrounding Danilo Pereira, particularly with a Double Gameweek on the horizon. Not only does he have multiple opportunities to return points, but his strong bonus-point potential makes him even more attractive.

Currently in outstanding form, Mohammed Al-Shamat has produced 37 points across the last three rounds. Facing Al-Hazem this week, he has another excellent opportunity to deliver, especially because of the attacking threat he offers from defence.

Another defender worth considering is Mohammed Mahzari, who has collected 21 points in the previous three Gameweeks. Against Al-Riyadh, he once again looks capable of delivering attacking or defensive returns.

Meanwhile, Jamal Harkass faces Al-Fayha and could prove a useful differential option. His threat from set pieces in particular gives him additional routes to points.

MIDFIELDERS

In midfield, Julian Quinones continues to impress and now faces an Al-Hazem side that have struggled defensively, particularly against forwards. As a result, he has a strong chance of producing both goals and Fantasy points again this round.

There is also huge appeal in Houssem Aouar, who combines excellent recent form with a Double Gameweek. Having scored 29 points across the last three rounds, he looks like one of the standout midfield picks this week.

For those targeting attacking upside, Sergej Milinković-Savić remains one of Al Hilal’s key threats. He faces Neom this round and heads into the fixture in strong form, while also leading his side for big chances created.

Elsewhere, Mourad Batna looks well placed to capitalise on Al-Najma’s defensive weaknesses. Set-piece duties only increase his appeal, giving him multiple routes to attacking returns.

Another midfielder in excellent form is Angelo Fulgini, who has collected 26 points in the last three rounds. Up against an Al-Riyadh side struggling defensively, he has another strong opportunity to continue that run.

FORWARDS

Up front, Ivan Toney once again stands out as one of the best options in the game. The league’s top scorer faces Al-Kholood, who have consistently struggled against strikers, while penalty duties only strengthen his chances of finding the net.

A double gameweek also boosts the appeal of Youssef En-Nesyri, who faces both Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq. Given that both opponents have shown weaknesses against forwards, he has a strong opportunity to deliver attacking returns across the two matches.

After a disappointing last round, Joshua King has an excellent chance to bounce back against Al-Okhdood. Their defensive issues against strikers could provide him with the perfect opportunity to return to the scoresheet.

Roger Martínez looks like another standout attacking option this week. Facing Al-Riyadh, who have struggled defensively against forwards, gives him a strong chance of producing returns.

Finally, Karim Benzema rounds off the list with an appealing fixture against Neom. With the opposition struggling to contain strikers, the veteran forward has another excellent opportunity to add to his goal tally.

CHUBBS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

With a Double Gameweek ahead, Predrag Rajković stands out as one of the strongest premium goalkeeper options this round. The extra fixture alone boosts his appeal, while his consistent save potential only adds to it further.

Meanwhile, Bono remains firmly nailed in the Al Hilal defence as they continue pushing the title race towards the final day of the season. Given Al Hilal’s defensive quality, he once again looks like a very reliable option between the sticks.

Another goalkeeper worth considering is Fernando Pacheco, whose Al Fateh side face the already relegated Al-Najma at home. On paper, it looks like one of the best clean-sheet opportunities of the Gameweek.

DEFENDERS

At the back, Danilo Pereira looks like one of the standout defensive picks thanks to Al Ittihad’s Double Gameweek. In addition, he remains the most nailed defender in their backline, which only increases his appeal.

For managers looking to save funds, Hassan Kadesh offers a cheaper route into the same defence while also benefiting from the Double Gameweek schedule.

There is also huge appeal surrounding Mohammed Al-Shamat, who faces Al-Hazm at home in what looks like an excellent fixture. Not only does he carry clean-sheet potential, but his attacking upside makes him one of the standout defenders for the round.

Fresh from a 17-point haul last Gameweek, Roger Ibañez once again demands attention. The Brazilian continues to provide multiple routes to points, and another strong home fixture only strengthens his case this week.

If budget is a concern, then Jorge Fernandes could prove a useful pickup. Priced at just 4.5m and facing Al-Najma at home, he offers solid value for managers needing cheaper defensive cover.

MIDFIELDERS

After a slow spell earlier in the campaign, Houssem Aouar has found form at exactly the right time for Al Ittihad. With a Double Gameweek ahead, the Algerian midfielder looks like one of the strongest midfield picks available.

Meanwhile, Steven Bergwijn offers a slightly more differential route for Fantasy managers. Although his price tag has not always felt justified this season, the Double Gameweek still gives him clear upside.

Another standout option is Mourad Batna, who faces relegated Al-Najma at home. As Al Fateh’s talisman and set-piece specialist, he has plenty of routes to points this round.

For those willing to spend big, Riyad Mahrez also enters the conversation. While expensive, Al Ahli’s excellent home fixture this week gives the Algerian a strong opportunity to deliver attacking returns.

Meanwhile, Julian Quinones once again looks reliable heading into a favourable home fixture for Al Qadsiah. The Mexican forward has consistently delivered throughout the season and should remain a popular pick this round.

FORWARDS

Up front, Youssef En-Nesyri stands out immediately as the only forward with a Double Gameweek. Al Ittihad’s recent signing, therefore, looks like one of the strongest attacking picks available.

As usual, Ivan Toney remains one of the safest forward options in the SPL. With another favourable home fixture ahead, the English striker once again looks capable of delivering goals and bonus points.

Meanwhile, Roger Martínez will be eager to finish the season strongly for Al Taawoun. A home match against Al Riyadh gives the Colombian another excellent opportunity to add to his tally.

Despite blanking in the 5-0 defeat to Al Ettifaq last round, Joshua King still looks like a strong option this week. Facing Al-Okhdood is a fixture that Fantasy managers have targeted all season, and that is unlikely to change now.

Finally, Al Saleh offers a handy budget route into the Al Qadsiah attack following Mateo Retegui’s season-ending injury. If funds are tight, he could prove a very useful differential with a strong home fixture ahead.

LOUIS SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

There are several strong goalkeeper options this round, but Koen Casteels arguably stands out as one of the safest picks. Al-Qadsiah face Al-Hazem, who have struggled for consistency in attack throughout the season, which gives the Belgian a very strong chance of securing a clean sheet.

Another standout option is Bono, with Al Hilal still pushing hard in the title race. Not only are they one of the league’s strongest defensive sides, but the Moroccan stopper also benefits from the reliability that comes with playing behind such an organised backline.

Meanwhile, Fernando Pacheco faces the already relegated Al-Najma at home. On paper, it looks like one of the best fixtures of the round for defensive returns, making him another goalkeeper firmly worth considering.

DEFENDERS

At the back, Roger Ibañez continues to impress as one of the most explosive defenders in the game. Fresh from another huge haul last round, the Brazilian once again heads into a favourable fixture with multiple routes to points through clean sheets, bonus and attacking threat.

There is also plenty of appeal surrounding Hassan Kadesh, especially given his affordability compared to some of the premium defensive picks. With strong fixtures ahead and attacking upside from wide areas, he could prove excellent value.

Currently in outstanding form, Mohammed Al-Shamat has become one of the standout defensive options in recent weeks. His attacking threat has added another layer to his Fantasy appeal, while the fixture against Al-Hazem only strengthens his case further.

Another defender worth considering is Mohammed Mahzari, who continues to tick along steadily with consistent returns. Against Al-Riyadh, he once again has a strong opportunity to deliver points at both ends of the pitch.

Completing the defensive options is Danilo Pereira, whose reliability makes him a very attractive pick. Whether it’s clean-sheet potential or bonus-point involvement, he consistently finds ways to contribute.

MIDFIELDERS

In midfield, Houssem Aouar looks like one of the strongest options available this round. The Algerian has hit form at exactly the right stage of the season and continues to thrive in advanced positions for Al Ittihad.

Meanwhile, Julian Quinones remains one of the safest attacking picks in the game. Al-Qadsiah’s fixture looks excellent on paper and the Mexican has consistently delivered throughout the campaign, particularly against weaker defensive sides.

Another player with huge appeal this week is Mourad Batna. Facing Al-Najma at home immediately catches the eye, while his importance on set pieces and overall attacking involvement only increases his potential for returns.

As for premium midfielders, Sergej Milinković-Savić once again stands out. The Al Hilal midfielder continues to create chances at an elite rate and, with the title race still alive, motivation should not be an issue heading into the round.

FORWARDS

Up front, Youssef En-Nesyri looks like one of the standout forward picks this Gameweek. The Moroccan striker continues to find himself in dangerous positions consistently and has every chance of adding to his goal tally again.

It would also be difficult to ignore Ivan Toney, who has arguably been one of the most reliable forwards in the SPL this season. With another favourable fixture ahead, the Englishman once again looks capable of delivering both goals and bonus points.

Meanwhile, Roger Martínez offers a slightly more differential route into attack, but the fixture against Al-Riyadh gives him a huge opportunity to reward owners. His role as Al Taawoun’s focal point only boosts his appeal further.

Despite disappointment in the last round, Joshua King should not be overlooked. Facing Al-Okhdood is a fixture many Fantasy managers have targeted throughout the season and this could be the perfect opportunity for the Norwegian to bounce back.

Finally, Karim Benzema rounds off the picks. The Frenchman continues to show his quality whenever presented with favourable fixtures, and this week looks like another strong opportunity for attacking returns.