FPL

The FPL half-term report: Arsenal

Our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) restart coverage continues with a review of all 20 Premier League clubs’ seasons so far.

In this Half-Term Report series, we look at which FPL players and teams have been top of the class in 2022/23 to date and who should be consigned to the Fantasy naughty step.

FPL bosses get unlimited transfers before Gameweek 17, so these articles will hopefully help you pinpoint some key targets for the Boxing Day resumption.

First up, league leaders Arsenal.

ATTACK: SEASON SO FAR

TotalRank v other clubs (adjusted per game)
Goals scored332nd
Shots2223rd
Shots in the box1543rd
Shots on target784th
Big chances403rd
Expected goals (xG)26.772nd
Non-penalty expected goals (NPxG)25.981st

The Gunners are top-four material for the key attacking metrics, with only Manchester City scoring on more occasions and registering a higher xG.

In fact, even the reigning champions can’t match Arsenal for xG when penalties are removed from the equation.

They’re certainly not alone in this regard but Mikel Arteta’s troops are registering over twice as many xG in home matches than they do on the road (2.70 v 1.30) and almost double the goals (3.2 v 1.8). They’ve had some easier-looking away fixtures, too, with Bournemouth, Brentford, Leeds United, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers among the eight teams they’ve faced away from the Emirates.

Above: How Arsenal compare to other Premier League sides for minutes per NPxG across 2022/23 (click to expand)

The good thing is that they’ve been pretty reliable so far this season, delivering consistently good underlying numbers during 2022/23 – as the above graphic shows.

DEFENCE: SEASON SO FAR

Haaland Foden


110 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lionac
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Assuming all 3 players start, who would you choose?

    A) Saka
    B) Foden
    C) Paqueta

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Charlie Price
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Would go C myself. But then again I tend to play more maverick than most always looking for that differential that improves OR the most.

      1. Lionac
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        Currently on C. Would really like to see England start with Sterling - Kane - Rashford up front. Would ease the decision.

        1. Charlie Price
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          Foden, Rashford, Saka, Sterling.

          Realistically only two of those can start tonight. At least we can wait for the team sheet and don’t have to guess like in fpl.

          1. Shark Team
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            Saka starts for sure according to Sky Sports along with one of Foden/Rashford probably

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      A. Have both A & B in my team

    4. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      B

    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      B

  2. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    YES. Fresh FPL content!

    AND ... it's a Neale article. Happy Sunday everyone! 😀

  3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Good morning all!! Quick FPL question….. preferred option here???

    A- Salah and Ings/Martial
    Or
    B- Kane and Saka

    Cheers everyone!!!

    1. Lionac
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Still early for this. Should wait to see how far England gets in WC.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate!!

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Probably B, despite reservations about their fitness if England go deep. You couldn't pay me to put Ings in my team 😉

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        Haha probably right mate!! Martial and Ings with their injury history a transfer waiting to happen too I’d imagine

      2. Charlie Price
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        Just noticed how cheap Danny Ings is in fpl. I mean 6.6m for someone with his experience and goal scoring record. What’s not to like?

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          He is mate and on pens too, has starts well for the new manager too so security of starts seems good tho!! Villa good fixtures after the first two after the break

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            *started well

        2. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          Its not at all clear to me whether it'll be Bailey or Ings that regularly partners Watkins. For a 4.5m mid I could live with that, but for a 6.6m forward it's an unnecessary headache when you could just get Mitrovic for a tiny bit more

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            Ah cheers for this mate, good info, I’ve got Mitrovic too, currently on him with Kane and Haaland

  4. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    "We’ll be comparing this trio of Arsenal midfield options in more detail in a follow-up Members article."

    This is going to be essential reading!

    Great that Newcastle are getting the colour they deserve on the fixture ticker, too.

  5. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Score predictions for England today?
    I believe it will be low scoring like 1-0 or 2-0 but seen lots suggesting both teams to score

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      2-0

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      2-0 England (Kane x2)

  6. The Mentaculus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Maybe a little early, but has anyone thought about their QF team yet? Who will you back with one-sided fantasy picks, and which games will hedge with a couple from either side?

    I think I'm going to start skewing heavily toward Brazil & Spain especially in defence, back Netherlands against Argentina (sell Messi), and hedge England v France. Maybe something like this:

    Noppert Simon
    Thiago Silva Marquinhos Sandro Alba Dumfries/Laporte
    Olmo Gavi Saka Foden Rabiot
    Neymar Richarlison Depay

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Haven’t thought about it yet but I’m disappointed by Netherlands despite being in top 8 they aren’t as good as people think they are imo

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        I'm increasingly confident they'll beat Argentina, who for me are looking like the most overrated team left

        1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          I would still favour Argentina just (538 have Argentina as 58% faves and I would agree with that). Argentina have struggled with high energy/pressing teams (Saudi Arabia, patches of Mexico game) but have looked comfortable against teams that sit back. Netherlands are not high energy, at least not consistently.

          I'm sure LVG will make subtle tweaks to bring more dynamism for quicker transitions (Bergwijn instead of Klaasen/ Simons on earlier) but I think the tempo will be slow and that will suit Argentina, the best walking football team.

          1. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            Yeah that's a fair point. I don't think they can approach Argentina quite the same as USA or it'll play right into Messi's hands. But I imagine they've learned from the Saudi/Mexico games, and if they push up a bit & congest any space between the lines for Messi, I don't really see enough quality in the rest of the Argentina team to break them down or punish them down the flanks.

    2. Charlie Price
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Nice to see someone not following the crowd. Plenty of differentials required otherwise you are just moving up and down with lots of others.

    3. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      I've started looking at QF and, honestly, I think the best policy is no hedging whatsoever and just pick your four teams and have done with it. No team should be massive favourites beyond 70% unless there is a massive shock in Rof16 with Brazil probably having the widest margin - so it's going to be very difficult for everyone.

      If I were to hedge, I would probably pick e.g. block Brazil defence and then attackers from 6 teams across the other 3 QFs and hope for goals.

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        The hedging does come in midfield mainly - especially with England v France, I don't think I want any defenders, but someone like Saka still compares favourably with the midfield pool. Its mainly in defence that I want to just fill up with 2 teams & try find a small edge on the field with an extra 5-10 CS pts rather than spreading out & letting my substitutions make the best of whatever happens (and probably ending up playing 3atb)

    4. fenixri
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      You lack some Croatia and Morrocco 😉

  7. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, are you sticking with Messi or switching to Mbappe cap?

    1. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Everybody dilemma at the moment. Want to switch, but my competitor have mbappe as captain.

  8. Dotherightthing
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Does anybody know why acuna is keeping his clean sheet? And why messi has 7 points?

    1. The Golden Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      He was subbed before Australia scored!

      1. Dotherightthing
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        He was of course... But until now, in the game, players who had been subbed after the 60th and before conceding, lost their clean sheet if the team had conceded afterwards.
        So, why not acuna now? This website is extremely confusing.
        Also messi, like many before, has extra points without an actual explanation, now he has 7, but he scored once (5 points), and played more than 60minutes (1 point).. so why 7??

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          Yeah they're flip-flopping on CS rules, wasn't clear at all. I think key pass points are added but not itemised under the score breakdown (Messi created a few big chances)

          1. Dotherightthing
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            Yes, that's what we've been assuming so far (big chances/key passes) but surely they should add the scoring reasons in the breakdown.
            I'm third in my mini league and first and second just passed me because of Acuna... That's not even the issue though, the issue is that you just don't know what to expect next. And the website is very unclear and doesnt reply to emails either.

            1. The Mentaculus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 5 months ago

              I hear you. Glad I'm not in a competitive / money league for this

  9. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Gabriel Jesus will be on the sidelines for at least 3 months, if the rumours are to be believed. This is so sad. Of course everything went too good for Arsenal and something had to go wrong sooner or later. Of-f***ing-course.

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Players get injured in all teams, it's time for Nketiah to show he can do it consistently.

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      That was always to fear re Arsenal wasn't it, deeper squad needed. The question now is, are they going in the January transfer market or not.

    3. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      At least we have all of December and January to lineup a new striker if needed.

      Nketiah has a chance to prove himself. If he fails he can be sold.

    4. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      That's horrendous. Why did he play on for so long? Literally played like 60 minutes in the whole world cup as well so that's rediculous luck

    5. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Well Spurs always had a similar issue under Pochettino too. Too reliant on the first 11. They always fizzled out by the end as well.

    6. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      I’d wait for official confirmation from the club, journos were originally reporting 3/4 weeks, this talk of 3 months has all stemmed from one source - all should be clear by the end of next week.

  10. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Rabiot or paqueta…?
    Have mbappe, but don’t have any brazil attack

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      My fav Brazil player is Vini Jr.

      My front 3: Messi; Mbappé; Vini Jr

  11. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Ranked 245 but only 31 pts behind no1. Most have Messi C it seems, time to risk it and switch C?

    1. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Nice rank, congrats! 🙂

      What's your total score?

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Update: I did it, yay!

  12. JBG
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Stick with Messi C or twist to Mbappe?

  13. FPL-(VAR)dy
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Stick with Messi C or twist to Mbappe?

  14. Jengkreng
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Foden bench?

  15. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    If he's back, will anyone do Messi/Mbappe to Neymar for the QFs? Thinking about fixtures and (C) options

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Aye. Pretty set on it already

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Nice that confirms the messi to Mbappe C switch for me

  16. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Looks like everyone is switching to Mbappe c
    So serious risk if stick and if Mbappe pulls another haul
    Twist or stick?

    1. mfryer
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Twist. Risky but could be wonderful (do I sound like a gambler?).

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Twisting feels like losing 6 pts to possibly gain 2-3 but I'm still gonna do it

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Twist, short tournament game,
      As we go further into tournament games will get harder for teams
      A lot will prob have him cap anyway, lot will twist to

  17. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    The app won't let me switch the armband from Messi to Mbappe. Anyone experiencing the same?

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      no, but that might be for the best

  18. Mambino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    I'm on my power cap and I own Dumfries - still took a 10k red arrow - quite surprised

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Are you looking at the rank on your team page or on leaderboard?

      1. Mambino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        team page

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          Leaderboard is the correct one, team page is wrong for some reason

          1. Mambino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            cheers buddy

          2. Louis_Sans_Balls
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 5 months ago

            oh wow! I didn't know this lol, I'm actually doing much better on leaderboard.

            What a difference on LD 12563 and on the other 121288

            1. The Mentaculus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 5 months ago

              Lol just a little 10x off then...

              1. Louis_Sans_Balls
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 5 months ago

                lol yeah

  19. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    So mbappe needs at least a goal and an assist to justify the cap switch. Tricky one.

    1. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      chance he do that..?

    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Yep. Twisting would be more exciting but I am keeping Messi C

  20. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Today first upset is RO16?

    1. fenixri
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      *in

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Can't see one. Two comfortable wins, even more so than yesterday, I think

  21. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    want to use my FT.
    Marquinhos+Costa to Allison+Hernandez...?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Dont you want to use your FTs to set up for the QF? Are you really unhappy with the squad you picked on WC?

      1. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        quite happy so far with Blind, Acuna, Alvarez, messi. want to bring hernandez as he confirm to play, and bring in alison as a replace brazil def

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 5 months ago

          Ah ok, Theo FOMO. But still, you're using 2 FTs to get him & rebalance Brazil defence, then maybe another one if you don't want to play Theo v England... Maybe I'm being too cautious with my FTs but that seems like a lot to me

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Keep it to set up for quarter finals

      1. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        yep, and i think hernandez + allison is god pair for QF. I'm sure they go trough

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Score predictions France v Poland? Thinking 2-0.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      4-1

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      5-1

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      2-1

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      I've gone 3-1 on Super6!!

  23. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    A) Stick with Messi(c)
    B) Twist to Mbappe(c)

    1. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Same dilemna

    2. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      I’m twisting to mbappe think he gets more

    3. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      B.

  24. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Seeing as I'm largely playing to win a cash league and not for OR and there's only 6pts between me and my closest rival (I'm on top), should I stick or twist on Messi > Mbappe cap? He is 6 pts behind me but has used both his captains...Gakpo (fail) then Messi, he has Mbappe but can obviously not captain, whereas I still can. What would you do? Thanks :

    A - Stick with Messi?
    B - Switch to Mbappe?
    C - Stick with Messi for now and if needed as he's overtaken me this MD then switch to Richarlison on the final day?

    1. Ajaxeeding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      C

    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      B - done

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      A

    5. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      I guess C is the play from a game theory POV but still a fair way to go & 6pts isn't much. But I think I'd just stick on Mbappe & hope to open up a bigger lead. Struggling to see this game going any other way but big win for France with multiple Mbappe GI

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        Yeah, it's a very tight call, especially with Neymar back for Brazil, could open up more opportunities for Richarlison vs South Korea? Not sure I can stop myself switching to Mbappe though, Poland conceding a lot of chances thus far and although Szczesny has been great between the sticks and saved 2 pens, he's also made the most saves in the tournament thus far. I can see Poland struggling to contain Mbappe here?!

    6. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      B.

    7. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Gone Mbappe, the urge to switch was too great!!

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 5 months ago

        😀

  25. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    Early lineups show
    Saka-Kane-Rash across the front

    Would you burn a transfer Foden to Saka if true?

    1. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      May just save the trans, hope foden gets off bench, bit like fpl !

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      Damn. Yeah I'd sell. Already have Saka but I'll figure a Foden replacement too, maybe Gavi

  26. Louis_Sans_Balls
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 5 months ago

    quick rank check going into today, mini leagues: 8, 13, 17, FFS - 212, overall 12563

    1. Louis_Sans_Balls
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 5 months ago

      not bad for someone who only plays every 4 yrs lol