Dugout Discussion – Southampton vs Arsenal

The first of three Sunday matches gets underway at 12pm as Southampton welcome Arsenal to St Mary’s Stadium.

Charlie Austin retains his role on the hosts’ teamsheet after netting three times in his first two starts under Manuel Pellegrino.

Drafted in by over 41,000 Fantasy Premier League managers for the Gunners’ encounter, the Saints’ frontman faces a defence that has claimed just two of their seven clean sheets on the road.

Priced at 6.1, Austin also has upcoming home encounters with Leicester and Huddersfield to strengthen his case as a budget striker, yet Southampton’s next three away matches (che tot mun) over the next month could barely be less appealing.

Up against a defence with one shutout in the previous ten Gameweeks, Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette is the most captained player for this one.

Yet only 2.2% of FPL managers have handed the Frenchman the armband, despite four sets of attacking returns in his last five outings.

At a cost of just 7.2, the consistent Aaron Ramsey’s popularity is on the rise. The Welshman was acquired by over 203,000 new owners, having delivered a goal or assist in six of the last seven Gameweeks.

Premium priced midfield pair Mesut Ozil (two goals and five assists in his last six) and Alexis Sanchez, with a goal in three of his last four, also boast some strong ahead of today’s encounter.