Saudi Fantasy is back, with Round 1 getting underway on Thursday.

With the opening deadline fast approaching, we’ve asked several of our Fantasy experts to reveal their latest teams and explain the thinking behind their selections.

From captaincy calls and key picks to differentials and early transfer plans, here’s how our panel are approaching the start of the new Saudi Fantasy season.

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@FPL_Chubbs

NOTES

• Subject to change, but this is where I’ve landed for Round 1.
• With two uses of each chip available this season, I’m going straight in with Park the Bus. The early fixtures give us a good opportunity to target some of the elite sides against newly promoted opposition, while Al-Ittihad also host Al-Kholood.
• Marcin Bułka looks like the best value goalkeeper, particularly given NEOM’s opening run.
• I’ve spent heavily in defence, including Stephane Keller, who started for Al-Ittihad in their AFC qualifier in midweek.
• Midfield and attack were much tougher to settle on, but this is where I’ve landed for now.
• The one thing I really don’t like is having no Al-Nassr coverage. I could still downgrade Theo Hernández to a cheaper Al-Hilal defender, which would free up the funds to move Steven Bergwijn to Sadio Mané.

@FPL_Abdullah

NOTES

• There we go – another Saudi Fantasy season is here, and this is my first draft ahead of Round 1.
• Unlike many managers, I won’t be activating the Park the Bus chip from the off.
• Up front, Ivan Toney, Joshua King and Alexandre Lacazette make the cut. Toney is, without doubt, the most important player in the game for me. King (44.0% owned) also gets a place after Al-Khaleej proved to be one of the more consistent sides last season, while we already know what he can deliver.
• In midfield, Julián Quiñones and Crysencio Summerville are locked in. I also wanted an Al-Nassr attacker because of Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style, so Sadio Mané gets the nod. He could even operate as a striker if Cristiano Ronaldo is absent.
• Nabil Fekir is my midfield differential. He should be a key player for Abha, who have made some impressive local and international signings. Set pieces and penalties could further boost his Fantasy appeal.
• At the back, Mohammed Al-Shamat is locked in, of course. Malang Mahzari provides cover for Theo Hernández and can also play at right-back. Malang Sarr is my NEOM pick ahead of a promising run of fixtures, while Stéphane Keller could be a very interesting budget punt at Al-Ittihad.
• I haven’t spent much in goal. Leon is my first-choice goalkeeper, with the Abha shot-stopper likely to face enough attempts to give him plenty of opportunities for save points.
• As for captaincy, it has to be Ivan Toney. No doubt about it.
• Obviously, it’s still early and plenty can change before the deadline, but this is where I’m at right now.

@hassanelolemy

NOTES

• Another Saudi Fantasy season is here, and this is how my team is shaping up for Round 1.
• Up front, Ivan Toney gets the captaincy against newly promoted Al-Diriyah. I expect Al-Ahli to score goals in that fixture, which makes Toney the standout option for me. Joshua King also makes the cut. He is already selected by 44.0% of managers, and I expect that ownership to rise further before the deadline.
• In midfield, Julián Quiñones is my set-and-forget pick. Giorgos Masouras, Sadio Mané and Crysencio Summerville complete the midfield, with NEOM, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal all having appealing fixtures across the opening five rounds.
• At the back, Mohammed Al-Shamat, Roger Ibañez and Mahzari give me coverage from some of the stronger sides. Marin Petkov is another interesting option, particularly as he is expected to play further forward on the wing.
• Finally, Marcin Bułka starts in goal. NEOM have a favourable opening fixture, so there is a decent chance of starting the season with a clean sheet.
• As things stand, Toney has the armband and is the player I’m backing to deliver the biggest return in Round 1.

@Dr_Abdullah_MRM

NOTES

• It’s a balanced Round 1 squad, with Marcin Bułka backed for a favourable opening fixture and plenty invested in proven defenders such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Merih Demiral.
• Midfield looks particularly strong. Julián Quiñones takes the captaincy, while João Félix, Crysencio Summerville and Nabil Fekir provide plenty of attacking upside.
• Up front, Karim Benzema leads the line alongside Leandro Antunes, with the former facing Al-Kholood at home. Overall, there’s a clear focus on targeting some of the stronger opening fixtures while still spreading the investment across the squad.