RSL Fantasy Tips: Top Picks for Matchweek 2 by Ghenwa Al Zain

In this new series, RSL Fantasy expert Ghenwa Al Zain, who claimed SAR 100,000 as the third-place winner in the 2023-24 season, shares her picks ahead of every matchweek to assist fellow RSL managers in finalizing their decisions before the deadline.

Goalkeeper:

In a challenging away fixture at Al Shabab, Marek Rodak (SAR 5.0M) shone on his RSL debut. Not only did he keep a clean sheet, but he also secured two additional save points, finishing Matchweek 1 as the top-scoring goalkeeper.

A home game against an Al Okhdood side, which failed to get a single shot on target in their opening match against Al Hilal, offers an excellent chance for the Al Ettifaq goalkeeper to secure a second consecutive clean sheet.

Defenders:

Merih Demiral (SAR 5.0M) takes the premium defender slot. The Al Ahli center-back kept a clean sheet and earned one bonus point in the opening matchweek against Al Orobah. His next match is against an Al Fateh side that didn't score in the first round and is vulnerable to conceding from crosses—Al Qadsiah scored two goals this way.

Demiral is proficient in heading the ball, as demonstrated during the recent European Championship in Germany. The Turkish international shows potential for returns at both ends of the pitch.

Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (SAR 4.5M) emerges as a valuable defensive option. The Al Qadsiah right-back provided an assist for Julian Quinones's third goal in the 3-0 win over Al Fateh, and also kept a clean sheet, ending Matchweek 1 as the highest-scoring defender with 11 points.

Another right-back, Saeed Al Muwallad (SAR 5.0M), completes the scout’s defensive picks. Although he didn't produce returns in Matchweek 1, the Al Wehda player has a favorable home fixture against newly promoted Al Orobah, where he might deliver both defensively and offensively.

Midfielders:

Although Franck Kessie (SAR 9.5M) and Riyad Mahrez (SAR 10.5M) are reliable choices, Gabri Veiga (SAR 6.5M) provides a budget-friendly route into Al Ahli’s midfield ahead of their trip to Al Fateh.

Al Riyadh’s revamped midfield and attack showcased entertaining football on opening day, scoring three goals against Al Wehda. Toze (SAR 7.0M), a playmaker popular in RSL Fantasy last season while at Al Hazem, began positively with an assist on his Al Riyadh debut. He is also on set-piece duty, ensuring a consistent attacking threat.

With Malcom missing the opening match and still doubtful for the next one, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (SAR 10.0M) stands out as a key attacking force in Al Hilal’s midfield. He started the season with a splendid free-kick goal against Al Okhdood and will aim to maintain this form against Damac.

SMS picked out the top corner with this free kick for Al Hilal! #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EfrEGr1hAa

The final midfield spot is given to Al Ittihad’s Houssem Aouar (SAR 6.5M), who scored the winning goal in added time against Al Kholood and was integral in all offensive plays. Despite facing a tough match against Al Taawoun, the scout relies on Aouar to deliver again.

Forwards:

For the attackers, the scout continues to trust RSL Fantasy’s top assets, Cristiano Ronaldo (SAR 14.5M) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (SAR 12.5M), expecting them to score points against Al Fayha away and Damac at home, respectively. The third forward spot goes to Al Wehda’s Australian striker Craig Goodwin, who, despite a price increase to (SAR 7.1M), earned the spot by scoring two goals and providing an assist in the opening round.

Also keep an eye on:

Though not making the scout's XI, forwards Abderrazak Hamdallah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, both priced at SAR 9.0M, are worth watching ahead of their respective club debuts. In goal, last season’s top two goalkeepers, Yassine Bono and Edouard Mendy, remain solid picks, both priced at SAR 5.5M.