Scouting the Doubles – Arsenal
Filed under: Scout Reports, Scouting The Doubles - Posted by: da Beeeez
What a difference a couple of months make. While a quartet of trophies may have always been a pipe dream, Arsenal were neck-deep in four competitions as recently as mid-February. The vision of four trophies has quickly evaporated, however, with the Premier League title now their only remaining target. Even that now looks something of a long shot. The Gunners have bungled opportunities in recent weeks – stumbling to three draws in the league prior to this past weekend’s victory over Blackpool. Indeed, the points lost in those three recent draws virtually account for the 7-point gap that currently exists between Arsenal and leaders Man United.
Putting a most positive spin on their chances of claiming the title, Jens Lehmann remained upbeat, and perhaps even a little self-deprecating about it all…
”Manchester United are only four points ahead of us when we win our game in hand. Look at me – you never know what is going to happen in life.”
Arsenal’s “game in hand” arrives in gameweek 33, and while Lehmann may be somewhat presumptuous to be counting on those points, the Gunners cannot afford any further slips if they are to have any hope of catching United. Before that, Liverpool arrive at the Emirates this weekend, with Kenny Dalglish’s side fresh from a 3-0 demolition job of Man City on Monday night – another stern test for Arsenal’s title credentials is expected.
The Prospects
The 3-1 victory at Blackpool this past weekend looked solid enough on paper and saw the Gunners create numerous attacking opportunities. Despite their dominance, Wenger’s side did, however, squander plenty of chances to kill the game and were forced to cling nervously to a 2-1 lead until Robin Van Persie’s late strike. For those looking for the bright side, a first league win since their departure from the Champions League and FA Cup may be just the tonic required to turn the corner as they hit a tough part of their schedule in the home stretch.
Arsenal’s double starts with Liverpool at home. While Kenny Dalglish’s side provided a wake-up call for City this past week, they have been inconsistent at best and remain particularly suspect at the back at the moment, with Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, and Martin Kelly all sidelined. Perhaps John Flanagan and Jay Spearing are the real deal as replacements in key positions, but one would expect that Arsene Wenger’s side will go all out to test their particular ability to handle the occasion at the Emirates.
Up next is the short trip to White Hart Lane for what is a critical game for both sides. Tottenham claimed the three points in their first meeting at the Emirates and also find themselves in a must-win situation after struggling in the league in recent weeks. Overall, Spurs have just one win and three draws in their last five matches, but the performances at home has been much more reliable, with four wins and two draws in their last six home matches.
The Likely Lads
Robin Van Persie has had a season of two halves. Up until late December, the Dutchman had managed seven brief league appearances but as of gameweek 19, his form has been a revelation. Van Persie has taken part in eleven of the subsequent fourteen games, scoring twelve goals, making three assists and picking up 21 Bonus Points, and there is every reason to expect the Arsenal attack to continue to flow through him. Given his return rate, Van Persie looks to be one of the very few must-have players at the moment, and a quick glance at our Captain’s Poll for the week shows strong support, despite the more favorable fixtures that Frank Lampard and Chelsea face in their double fixture.
With 111 FPL points to his name, Cesc Fabregas has been disappointing, given his price tag. But, like Van Persie, Fabregas’ overall numbers have been stalled by numerous absences (9 in total). Despite struggling to hit the heights of his own lofty standards this term, Fabregas has still claimed 10 assists in 22 games and leads the team with 26 Bonus Points. When selecting between the two most expensive midfielders in the game, it’s still difficult to choose Fabregas over Lampard, given Chelsea’s fixtures, but Fabregas is returning points when he plays – thanks in the main to his strong Bonus Points lure. Owned by just 7% of the FPL teams, the Arsenal skipper could be a Fantasy game changer during the double and down the stretch.
Defying expectations, Samir Nasri has gone ice cold in 2011. Indeed, his 9th goal of the season — the last one he has scored in the league, came on New Year’s day against Birmingham. However it would be foolish to write Nasri off at this point. Statistics show his average position against Blackpool was more advanced than every Arsenal player bar Van Persie; those watching will recall two golden opportunities for Nasri late in the first half and the OPTA stats available to our Members continue to show regular involvement and strong potential for attacking results.
Cheeky Punts
Arsenal have 8 clean sheets in 12 league games in 2011 so, even with tougher fixtures for the double, they surely offer some potential in defence – particularly in goal where cheap options have been available for much of the season. Unfortunately, uncertainty looms here. Recent reports suggest that Wojciech Szczesny and Johan Djourou may be set to return to contention against Liverpool, but Arsene Wenger was unqualifiedly noncommittal:
“Djourou and Wojciech are question marks. Will they be fit? That all has still to be decided. We have two more days to find out. It could be a possibility that they could be available.”
Without something definitive, it’s probably too risky – even for a cheeky punt – to consider an Arsenal keeper with Birmingham and Ben Foster also having a double gameweek. Nonetheless, the prospects of Szczesny’s presence behind the back-four has to be viewed as a positive for the defensive returns, and provides further reason to monitor Djourou’s recovery from his dislocated shoulder. With the Swiss defender dropping again in price this week to a season low 4.0, his return would present a welcome cheap entry point.
While perhaps too strong to merit consideration in this category, Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin sneak onto the board as cheeky punts, carrying a risk of rotation destined to create disappointment, but there’s a very real prospect that either (or both) could post big numbers. While Samir Nasri has mustered a single goal since January 1, Walcott has notched 2 goals and added 6 assists while Arshavin has scored 2 goals and added 2 assists. The Russian looks to hold a potential edge in that he has started the last 7 matches and may be the safer bet of the two in terms of minutes. Walcott got the nod in the latest Watchlist summary and is the safer punt in the sense that it will be much less frustrating to see 6.8 of fantasy value sitting on the bench for portions of the double. Having been benched against Blackpool only to emerge to assist the Van Persie goal, the flying winger looks well positioned to start against Liverpool’s stand-in full-backs and, if he can produce, could hold his role for the visit to Spurs.
About The Author
“Recognizing that it's better to be lucky than good, da Beeeez often sleeps through the early games on the weekends...”
da Beeeez
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April 15 at 6:14 pm
The Heretic says:
Captain dilemma is doing my head in!
Currently on Lampard but he keeps letting me down. Options include Drog, RVP or even Luiz. Frank has gotta do ok over two games……
right?
April 15 at 6:16 pm
stevvi says:
I’m going with him and all my rivals have RVP… so go with RVP.
April 15 at 6:16 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
RVP imo, then Lamps, Drog then Luiz
April 15 at 6:17 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Then again Birmingham and also to a lesser extent WBrom allow a lot of shots from outside the box
April 15 at 6:16 pm
Ini: The Pale-Faced Assassin says:
At 8.4 %, Lampard is a differential in itself. So unless you chasing a leader, go RvP just to be safe..
April 15 at 6:28 pm
EdinaHibsNut says:
Hmmmmm, i’m going with Lamps and already have RVP so if the Dutchy does score big you’ll get points and when Frank finally knocks in a few you, like me, will be laughing our way to the top of our leagues.
April 15 at 6:44 pm
RaspingDrive says:
Did that last week. Fell right on its ass:-(
April 15 at 6:15 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Assuming that I will (c) RVP, which pair will get more points??
Lampard + Djourou
Nani + Walker + 8 points
Malouda + Coleman/Walker + 4
VDV + Coleman/Walker + 4
April 15 at 6:18 pm
Ini: The Pale-Faced Assassin says:
That’s a tough one..I think either one of the first two..
April 15 at 6:20 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Assuming Lamps get 1 goal 2 bps 1 cs thats 12 + djourou 2/3 points 14-15 so
nani and Walker need to get 6 or 7 which could be hard if he is rested??
Oh this is doing my head in, IF onlY Nani had gone up 2% last night it would have been a straight Nani to Lamps switch!!
April 15 at 6:22 pm
Ini: The Pale-Faced Assassin says:
Just inquiring, what are your reasons for selling Nani..?
April 15 at 6:30 pm
EdinaHibsNut says:
I’m thinking of swapping Nani for Adam. Dont think Nani will play every game given Valencia’s back. Then swap Valencia for nasri – he doesnt play well when fabs is back, next week.
April 15 at 6:22 pm
stevvi says:
By such small margins are worlds conquered.
April 15 at 6:17 pm
Waldaz says:
11 and 8 points behind two rivals in the minileague, this is going to be a massive week… damn you Coleman!
April 15 at 6:18 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Indeed. His doubt and my doubt that Walker wont start either is forcing me into an 8 pointer!!
April 15 at 6:49 pm
Jonah says:
I think you can play Coleman with Walker as a sub and be conident you’ll get SOME points out of it. Certainly not worth taking a 8 point hit to avoid that situation.
April 15 at 6:17 pm
WhoWhoZela says:
Anyone looking at Parnaby as a cheap DGW option instead of Carr??
April 15 at 6:19 pm
applebonkers says:
stupid risk imo
April 15 at 6:21 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Nah
April 15 at 6:22 pm
WhoWhoZela says:
well he has started the last 2 games and is 0.7 cheaper than Carr which frees up a bit more funds for someone else
April 15 at 6:28 pm
applebonkers says:
injury prone player, might not even get 1 game, birmingham are a poor defence right now, you wouldn’t think about him if they didn’t have a dgw so why does chelsea away sound promising? the main factor though curtis davies could easily get a start off him, then once jiranek is back he’s out anyway
April 15 at 6:19 pm
The Gamesmaster says:
What should I do with Coleman? Play him or sell him? I need him to play to get 11 players out
April 15 at 6:21 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Sell him but for a dgw player.
April 15 at 6:25 pm
ajay_kl says:
i am in same player i need him to play, got 2 free changes so will ship for bardsley/walker or RJ/carr. coleman gotta to go though cos of tough games
April 15 at 6:20 pm
andy85wsm says:
I know I’m going to bottle it and change my captain to RVP from Lampard.
April 15 at 6:22 pm
The Gamesmaster says:
Lamps will be a failure go with rvp
April 15 at 6:21 pm
jimski says:
This question got lost at the end of last page:
Dawson or Bardsley, both for this week and long term options?
April 15 at 6:27 pm
The Heretic says:
Dawson has a dgw to come but Bardsley has much better fixtures. Prob Bardsley for this week as well.
April 15 at 6:21 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
What is all of this **** about nani being dropped. Its a random guess and people are treating it as gospel. M*o*n*g*s
April 15 at 6:35 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
It’s a feeling and logical, but it’s that guessing that can define GW’s
April 15 at 7:39 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
Not really. Its a hunch. There is no logic involved in this
April 15 at 6:21 pm
Carroll to the rescue says:
RVP or Luiz…who do I captain for this week?
April 15 at 6:22 pm
Ini: The Pale-Faced Assassin says:
hmmm RVP
April 15 at 6:24 pm
stevvi says:
RVP… can’t see the sense in captaining a defender as all it takes is one lucky goal to screw things up.
April 15 at 6:26 pm
Viv - Sideshow Bob will rule the world,,MuuuuHaHaHaHaHa says:
or a red card
April 15 at 6:27 pm
stevvi says:
Having said that, my nearest rival captained Baines against my Lamps last week.
April 15 at 6:29 pm
andy85wsm says:
That goes with any player.
April 15 at 6:35 pm
Viv - Sideshow Bob will rule the world,,MuuuuHaHaHaHaHa says:
Luiz has been on the edge of a red in 2 or 3 of his games
April 15 at 6:24 pm
Dog says:
Captain choice is a killer.Here’s my two cents:
RvP – will struggle to find space against a stubborn and defensive Pool side.I can see 2 goals max for Arsenal here, with RvP collecting 5-7 points.
I can see him collecting a further 6 or 7 at the Lane.Prediction : 13.
Lampard – may very well struggle against an in-form West Brom side but may profit by Chelsea’s set-piece threat. I’ll give him an assist here – 5 points.
Birmingham is the game I expect Frank and Chelsea to raise their game for, as they have literally nothing to lose in front of expecting fans. I’ll give him a goal and an assist here with possibility of bonus – 11
Prediction – 16 points
April 15 at 6:26 pm
Ini: The Pale-Faced Assassin says:
Too bad there’s only a 3 pt difference! I guess it’s a toss up
April 15 at 6:36 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
In which case an 8 point hit to get in Lamps for me is not worth it
April 15 at 6:29 pm
pieces says:
This is a gut feel decision – go with your first instinct and stick with it.
April 15 at 6:30 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
I concur with this. Arsenal are an enigma however. They could do turnip against 1 and then smash the next. Either way RVP is guaranteed to be at the heart of everything.
The problem with lampard getting assists is that means another chelsea player has to score…LOL
April 15 at 6:24 pm
The Heretic says:
Lol, Ramires going up tonight. That would be funny even if he wasn’t injured!
April 15 at 6:25 pm
Se4n says:
Which one to drop out of Coleman or Kolarov for R Johnson?
If I drop Coleman i’d play Walker, Luiz and R Johnson and have no defenders on the bench who could play.
If I drop Kolarov i’d play Coleman, Luiz and R Johnson and if Coleman doesn’t play Walker would come in.
April 15 at 6:39 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Sort of my problem too. I have a feeling that Coleman wont play at all, and Walker MAY not as Cuellar is a better defender, and better in the air. So given the choice, Im not sure!!
I am debating whether to drop Coleman for a guaranteed starter, as dont want either this week, but want Walker next week
April 15 at 6:26 pm
Locarno says:
Paddy Power have just given me a free £10 bet.
I think they know they’ll get it back…
April 15 at 6:29 pm
The Heretic says:
Put it on Blackburn @ 9/2 to beat Everton
April 15 at 6:49 pm
Locarno says:
Without Ryan Nelson? Are youse mad???
April 15 at 6:28 pm
Johnny_99 says:
I wonder what is the longest consecutive stretch of games Lamps has played in the last 3 or 4 years without a single goal/assist/BP?
He is on 3 at the minute & I reckon that must be close to if not the longest blank spell he has had in recent years [excluding injury]. So does that mean he is overdue a couple of goals/assists? Or that he is in sh*t form & to be avoided like the plague? The captain decision is a nightmare this week…
April 15 at 6:40 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
Or does it mean, he’s getting older and the team is playing worse, therefore he is not as good??
April 15 at 9:26 pm
Ian says:
This comment rings a bell from earlier..
April 15 at 6:29 pm
jayzico says:
lol. notice how all the high ranking dudes are deciding to comment (for once) to get rid nani??? cos they did. dont fall for the bait. now they’re scared. of course not of me but this what happens every end of season…
NANI ROCKS! still
April 15 at 6:31 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
HAHA see my comment above. I’ve not know nani to be ‘rested’ since ronaldo left. We can do with arsenal to keep winning so that means man u keep playing their best.
April 15 at 6:33 pm
andy85wsm says:
Fail.
April 15 at 6:37 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
Wana put a wager on? Nani will not be rested.
April 15 at 6:38 pm
andy85wsm says:
No. But your comment about you not knowing that Nani has ever been rested means you don’t watch much football.
April 15 at 6:41 pm
Drogs, but No Cesc! says:
He will be rested after a match winning performance v City!!
April 15 at 6:44 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
I never said that. I said since ronaldo has left i know not of nani being rested. Not sure he has. feel free to post any links which state this is not the case. I’m open to my mind being changed. Good luck
April 15 at 6:57 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
Still no reply? hows how much know about football.
April 15 at 6:32 pm
andy85wsm says:
I don’t think they’re scared. With park and Valencia back it’s a viable option.
I’m sticking though.
April 15 at 6:31 pm
exciplex says:
Decided to keep Bent, meaning no Drogs or Rooney. Tempted to get rid of Nani seeing my nearest rival doesn’t have him.
Was thinking Nani –> Fabs or Malouda.
Current Chelsea: Lamps, Luiz.
Current Arsenal: Nasri, RVP.
??
April 15 at 6:32 pm
unoaime says:
What’s the likelyhood of Nani being rested?
April 15 at 6:38 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
0
April 15 at 6:32 pm
Waldaz says:
… Young and Tevez to Lampard and Drogba for a make or break 4 point hit?!
April 15 at 6:33 pm
Johnny_99 says:
Definitely – Young is not worth the hassle
April 15 at 6:33 pm
Demi says:
NEW POST
April 15 at 6:33 pm
Maybayno says:
NEW POST
April 15 at 6:33 pm
SupermAnderson says:
http://strettynews.com/2011/04.....-and-nike/
April 15 at 6:35 pm
ajay_kl says:
I am stuck with what to do this week, with 2 free transfers (team linked):
a) Coleman out for Walker/Bardsley/RJ/Carr (save a transfer)
b) Berbatov out, Bent in (save a transfer)
c) A + B
d) A + Rooney in for berba. Will involve downgrading Hart/Vidic/Young and 4 pt hit.
Any ideas?
April 15 at 6:36 pm
Carroll to the rescue says:
Having problems…obviously with Tevez..
Who do I ship him out for???
April 15 at 6:38 pm
ajay_kl says:
Rooney?
April 15 at 6:39 pm
Jason_Dozzell says:
carroll
April 15 at 6:44 pm
lazybones18 says:
torress
April 15 at 6:44 pm
lazybones18 says:
My typical Fridays=
time spend on working: 30 minutes
time spend on lunch: 1 Hour
time spend on fanasy football : 6:30 hours
April 15 at 6:47 pm
Matcyzk says:
Anyone think T.Cahill will play tomorrow?
April 15 at 9:51 pm
Phil says:
Any news on djourou? Is he likely to start?
April 15 at 11:20 pm
burly says:
Drogs, No cesc,
Ive a similar problem to you. Lookin at an 8 point hit to be sure of 3 starting defenders, im looking at
Kolorov > Luiz
Coleman > Carr.
what u think?
April 15 at 11:56 pm
1-2 says:
Barton to Gardner…Drink the FFS cool aid or save the move next week?
Team linked
April 16 at 12:03 am
1-2 says:
Forster
Luiz Baines Terry (Huth Kelly)
Adam Nani Nasri Bale (Barton)
Roo RVP (Odem)
Need 1 more starter
April 16 at 1:43 am
scored says:
oh great… One rival has lampard, the other has van persie. (Both within 30 points)
So whoever I captain, I need both to score well with similar overall scores!
Big ask
April 16 at 2:12 am
roooooooooneyyyy says:
i have a feeling lampard isnt getting shyt this dgw