Arsenal will be expected to come out all guns blazing as they look to put the nightmare of throwing away a four goal lead at Newcastle behind them.
They now face an immensely busy period however, with two league fixtures against Wolves and Stoke at the Emirates, sandwiching a tasty Champions League filling of a first leg tie with Barcelona on February 16. This arrives prior to an FA Cup trip to East London with Leyton Orient on February 20, handing the Gunners a stretch of games could well prove decisive in their season.
Fantasy Managers have a lot to consider when assessing their fortunes over the double Gameweek then, not least the prospect of rotation.
The Prospects
Arsenal perform just as well at the Emirates as they do on the road, amassing 25 points both home and away. But the fact that these fixtures are on home soil is still a bonus for Arsene Wenger’s men, in what’s going to be a hectic 11 days. The Gunners have managed to win 8 games, drawing just 1 and losing 3 at home. It’s the losses against supposedly inferior teams, such as West Brom and Newcastle, that Wenger will be keen avoid ahead of the visit of Wolves and Stoke.
Arsenal have scored an impressive 27 league goals at the Emirates, a tally beaten by just Manchester United and Newcastle. Finding the back of the net is therefore not a problem for the Gunners and you would expect them to score heavily against the Stoke City and Wolves defences who have both conceded 18 goals away from home this term.
Arsenal have keep 4 clean sheets at the Emirates and they really should improve on that record over the Gameweek. Wolves are the least effective team on their travels, scoring just 8 goals outside of Molineux, while Stoke haven’t fared much better, notching-up just 12 league goals.
However, Arsenal’s backline has been ravaged by knocks. The latest today confirms that Johan Djourou should be fit for selection but he could well be rested for the Barcelona tie, which could see the unconvincing Sébastien Squillaci drafted in. Wolves and Stoke could will surely fancy their chances of ruffling feathers in the Arsenal backline then.
The problems are not restricted to Arsenal’s back four; the Gunners are also without the option of Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby in midfield, so Wenger’s rotation options are certainly hampered. That may well work in our favour given that Cesc Fabregas looks to be relatively safe from rotation as a result.
Likely Lads
Robin Van Persie is the most in-form player in the Premier League at the moment. He has averaged 12.5 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points in his last 4 games and shows no signs of slowing down, particularly with two attractive home fixtures coming-up. He is currently proving to be worth every penny of his 10.2 valuation and will be the choice for many Managers’ captain this Gameweek. His significance in the game hasn’t gone unnoticed by the FPL masses though – he has currently claimed an ownership of 22.5%.
Arsenal also boast the FPL’s most in-form midfielder. Over his last 4 outings Theo Walcott is currently averaging 8.8 points a match and has scored 7 goals and made 6 assists in the Premier League this term. The rest of Arsenal’s midfield is certainly capable of raking in the points, but captain Cesc Fabregas is surely the other major consideration for the Gameweek. After disappointing of late, we’re waiting for an explosion from the Arsenal skipper – deliver that during the double Gameweek and it could have a big impact on the Fantasy season. With 11.2% ownership, Fabregas is a rather surprising differential.
The big concern with Arsenal’s attacking assets is of course the threat of rotation ahead of the Barcelona tie. Ironically, the St James’ Park collapse may well help us out here; with two points dropped in that game, Wenger may well be less inclined to gamble on resting Van Persie and perhaps Walcott to his bench against Mick McCarthy’s side. We’re expecting them both to start – their pitch time could well be cut however, particularly if the Gunners can put the game to bed by the second-half.
With Wolves and Stoke hardly proving to be the most potent of teams away from home, Arsenal’s defensive players are also worthy of consideration. We know what to expect from the likes of Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy and both are consistent performers, priced at 6.2 and 6.1 respectively. But it’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny who really stands out, valued at just 4.5, the young Pole has nailed down his starting place in recent weeks with some decent performances. Johan Djourou is of course another alternative at 4.3, but as mentioned, his start against Wolves is in question.
Cheeky Punt
This season has seen Jack Wilshere become an Arsenal regular and, at 4.9 on the FPL, he is within even the most frugal Manager’s means. In a week which has seen him impress in his first senior England game, Wilshere will be high on confidence coming back to Arsenal duty and the midfielder will be looking to add to his 56 FPL points.
Arsenal to keep two clean sheets in the Gameweek 5/2 (3.50)
Cesc Fabregas to score 2 or more goals in total in the Gameweek 6/4 (2.50)
