Arsene Wenger has indicated that Denilson will step into Alex Song’s sizable shoes and occupy the holding midfield role in his absence. Song has now departed for the African Cup of Nations in Angola and is set to miss league games against Bolton and Everton at home, plus trips to Bolton and Villa, plus the home clash with United at the end of the month.

This hint by Wenger is highly significant for owners of Abou Diaby since it was largely expected that he would fulfill the anchor role. Should Denilson be handed this task, it would free up Diaby to continue his foraging from an attacking midfield position which could see his recent runs of fantasy returns continue.

Diaby has notched 2 goals, an assist and 4 Fantasy Premier League bonus points in his last 3 league starts and whilst the promising Aaron Ramsey is directly under threat from the return of Cesc Fabregas, Diaby appears to in line for starts even when the Arsenal skipper returns. With a low-to-mid price tag across the games (5.7 in the FPL), he looks a very strong option if he does indeed escape the shackles of the holding midfield role…

Tonight’s home game with Bolton (should it go ahead) will likely offer more clues. Denilson is set to return from a recent back injury and all eyes will be on his position when he takes to the field. Should Diaby find profits again tonight, we can expect his bandwagon to pick up considerable speed in the coming weeks.

The only real caveat to this would be Arsenal’s fixture list. Following the trip to Bolton in gameweek 22, Arsenal face a run of four games against strong opposition (avl MUN che LIV). Given Diaby’s price however, he doesn’t represent the kind of gamble that Fabregas and Arshavin owners will be taking over those weeks.

It’s also worth noting that from gameweek 27-33, Arsenal’s fixtures pick up considerably with a run of opponents that will likely see strong attacking returns (SUN stk BUR hul WHM bir WLV). If Diaby can pin down a starting role during that run, he should represent outstanding value.