We assessed the double Gameweek 36 defensive options yesterday and now turn our attentions to attack in the second of our two-part series.
Neither Arsenal nor Southampton approach their pair of fixtures in convincing form, yet while the Saints are ensconced in the security of mid-table, Arsene Wenger’s men have plenty to play for with a top-four spot still in the balance.
Their push for a Champions League finish is very much in Fantasy managers’ minds – Alexis Sanchez, as the top scoring player in FPL, is the most sought-after pick in the Gameweek ahead of a home encounter with Man United and a midweek trip to St Mary’s.
Over 66,000 have snapped up the Chilean this week, yet one goal in the last six Gameweeks is a clear concern, with the recent switch to 3-4-2-1 seeing Sanchez alternate between a central support berth and the lone striker spot.
Mesut Ozil has been stationed alongside Sanchez behind the lone striker in recent matches. A secure starter, two goals and a pair of assists in his last six make Ozil the Gunners’ form attacker and, at 9.4 to Sanchez’ 11.5, he is far kinder on the budget.
Wenger’s shape-shifting has seen Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud all drift in and out of the starting XI in recent matches, with too many question marks hovering over their pitch time.
The switch to 3-4-2-1 could promote Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as an unlikely double Gameweek asset, though. He has been handed a wing-back berth in recent matches and bagged an assist in the FA Cup win over City.
For Southampton, Claude Puel’s recent penchant for rotation may have limited our viable options.
The number one transfer target for Gameweek 35, Manolo Gabbiadini, was hauled off before 60 minutes in last weekend’s goalless home draw against Hull City.
Four goals in his first three league appearances highlighted his points potential, yet the Italian’s pitch-time remains an issue – he’s been replaced before the hour-mark in two of his three outings since returning from injury.
Having played 90 minutes in each of the last five Gameweeks, Dusan Tadic (6.9) looks the most secure option in Southampton’s midfield. Granted, a single assist in his last seven is far from encouraging, while the Serbian’s missed spot-kick against Hull has also deterred many from taking the leap.
Elsewhere in the sub-6.0 category, Nathan Redmond (5.9) and James Ward-Prowse (5.0) have both started eight of the Saints’ last nine league matches, scoring three and two times respectively over that period.
However, it’s only recently that doubts have emerged over their minutes – Redmond was benched in Gameweek 34 and Ward-Prowse in Gameweek 35 as Puel looked to give the fit-again Sofiane Boufal more pitch-time.
The Top Targets
Alexis Sanchez – despite a downturn in output, the Chilean remains a dominant figure in his side’s attacks and has produced eight double-digit hauls this term. Owned by over 25%, Sanchez looks the runaway armband candidate this week – over 51% of the voters have picked him in our Captain Poll.
Manolo Gabbiadini – although there are question marks over the Italian’s pitch-time, he still offers the most potent goal threat in Puel’s side. Since making his debut in Gameweek 24, Gabbiadini has registered more shots in the box than any team-mate. Over the season, only Sergio Aguero (18.3 minutes) has fired an attempt on goal more frequently than the winter signing (22.3 minutes) among first-choice forwards.
Differentials
Mesut Ozil – it’s fair to say that Ozil has been fortunate to score twice in the Gunners’ last six – he’s produced just three efforts on goal to Sanchez’s 16. Nonetheless, the German has the potential to serve up explosive hauls – he’s registered 10+ points hauls on six occasions this term.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – he has started three of the four matches as a right wing-back in all competitions since Wenger’s change of formation. The only exception was at home to Leicester City, where he was benched with a minor knock. A big punt but, at a price of just 5.8, the versatile midfielder could appeal to those unwilling to shell out on Ozil.
Dusan Tadic – over the last six Gameweeks, the playmaker sits fifth for shots on goal (18) and fourth for chances created (16). Although he’s struggled to translate that into Fantasy returns, Tadic – with just a 2% ownership – has the underlying numbers to emerge as a valid differential for those keen to invest in Puel’s attack.
Nathan Redmond – he may have only scored six times this season, yet the summer signing from Norwich still boasts a decent goal threat. Priced at a mere 5.9, Redmond is ranked top for shots, efforts in the box and attempts on target for Southampton in 2016/17.
