Arsenal’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Chelsea back in Gameweek 19 seems to have provided a psychological shot in the arm to a team searching for their first piece of silverware in five years. After stylishly sweeping aside the reigning Premier League Champions, the Gunners have since bossed matches against Birmingham (a 3-0 victory) and Man City (a game they deserved to win). They are now within 4 points of leaders Manchester United and seem to be the biggest rivals to Sir Alex’s men, given Chelsea’s torrid form and City’s inconsistency. The triumphant display against Chelsea also saw the return key players Cesc Fabregas and, namely, Robin Van Persie – who made his first start of the season.
This new found buoyancy and restoration of proven talent will give Arsene Wenger’s men a significant boost into the second half of the season and the foundations to tackle what, on paper, appears to be a kind run of fixtures (whm, WIG, EVE, new, WOL/STK, che) which includes an immensely attractive double Gameweek spent at the Emirates.
The return of highly influential Van Persie is a timely and one would expect him to be in amongst the goals and assists, in a run that could make or break Arsenal’s title hopes. Of course, Marouane Chamakh remains a factor having enjoyed an encouraging start to his career at the Emirates, and there is a possibility that one of the two strikers will be benched, with Wenger currently favouring a five-man midfield. But with the Frenchman opting for Van Persie in the crucial clashes with Chelsea and Manchester City, this seems a clear signal of his intent.
RVP hasn’t had the chance to prove his worth this season having only managed to scrape together a handful of Premier League appearances, but if previous seasons are anything to go by then the Dutch international will soon enough show his ability. The player is as much as a provider as he is a goalscorer, in the 2008/2009 season (one in which he managed to stay relatively injury free) he clocked up 11 goals and 10 assists, and his all round authority was not unnoticed as he collected 27 bonus points on the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game.
A key component in Arsenal’s attacking ploys and a factor at set-plays, now could be the right time to transfer in Van Persie. With a current FPL ownership of just 3.5%, he could be a key “differential” and once he has hit some form, his value of £9.5 million will surely increase as swarms of Fantasy Managers take interest.
The caveat is of course the Dutchman’s history of injuries. Van Persie has suffered badly in previous seasons from a catalogue of setbacks – ankle, thigh, foot, hamstring and knee – Van Persie has suffered problems with them all. The 2008/09 season saw him start 24 league games – he’s never got close to bettering that total in this, his seventh year in the Premier League.
Although his valuation is high for a player who has a rickety injury record, many Fantasy Managers will have funds available in the bank as Carlos Tevez seems to be one of the only high-priced forwards displaying a degree of consistency. If you do opt for Van Persie though prepare to wince at every incoming tackle and make sure you’re stocking some bubble wrap for those glass legs.
