Members

The best Arsenal players to consider for a Blank Gameweek 18 Free Hit squad

There is a host of Arsenal options to consider for Blank Gameweek 18 over the coming days.

Considering the Gunners’ offer impressive form, an appealing fixture but only one match in Double Gameweek 19, they are prime candidates for Fantasy Premier League managers playing their Free Hit chip.

We have run the numbers on Mikel Arteta’s men ahead of their meeting with Crystal Palace to find the best options, looking at individual form as well as how the Eagles have fared defensively of late.

As this article uses extensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

HOW APPEALING IS THE FIXTURE?

742 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JCR23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) Leno & Gundogan

    OR

    2) Darlow & Saka

    ?

    Thanks

    1. PlayUpPompey
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1.

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

    3. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

  2. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any confirmation of spurs game? Is it postponed?

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no yet

  3. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Shaw injured? Possible to play gw 18?

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      certainly there are better options

      1. akhilrajau
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hmm currently Lloris and shaw. So darlow and awb is better?

        1. akhilrajau
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Same issue with sterling also

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You're on a possible covid cancellation and injury. Latter is safer. I'm making sure I have 2 playing keepers - indeed, I'm making sure if one match other than Villa-Spurs is called off, I can still put out a full side.

          1. akhilrajau
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hmm i am on FH. So max playing 11 i planned. Situation looks like spread to bench also

            1. Going Home
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              With there being no Liverpool (no Mane/Salah/£7m+ defenders), it should be easy enough to get at least 13/14 starters into your side. I’m on FH and have 14 starters (although I’m trying to get a second starting keeper in too)

              1. akhilrajau
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                M good i have kane,son, bruno and sterling that is the issue

                1. Going Home
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  So so I. My current draft is

                  Darlow (fodder)
                  Stones holding Tierney Clarke Mitchell
                  Saka son Sterling KDB Bruno
                  Kane Wilson Brewster

                  1. akhilrajau
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Ow nice Mine is

                    Lloris
                    Holding, Shaw, Cancelo
                    Son, Bruno, KDB, Sterling, Smith Rowe
                    Kane, C.Wilson
                    Bench: Forster,Mitchell, Davis, Douglas
                    Bank : 0.0 m

                    1. Going Home
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Decent. I’d suggest downgrading Lloris (Villa likely to score if game goes ahead) and Cancelo to Stones (both equally likely to be rotated) and use the extra to upgrade Douglas and Davis

                      1. akhilrajau
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Hmm good will check this option

  4. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What's with Sterling gents? Can't find anything on it either says unknown.

    Could be nursing a knock or covid?

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just rested. He was always "injured" during international breaks too.

    2. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was described as "not fit", whereas others were described as "injured". Best guess is he just needed a rest. I wouldn't be too concerned.

  5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one:

    A) Sterling + Martial
    B) Rashford + Vardy

    Have KDB and Bruno.

    1. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B all day

  6. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    RMFHT

    Darlow
    Holding Tierney Cancelo
    Saka KDB Bruno Rashford Gundogan
    Wilson Richarlison

    fodder Maguire Brewster Mitchell

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My draft had something similar with
      Pickford
      Holding Maguire Cancelo
      Saka KDB Bruno Rashford Sterling
      Wilson Laca
      Too much itb for you? I could easily upgrade Gundo to Sterling from your team.

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, I actually agree about Sterling. He appears to be flagged though.

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He was always flagged during those international breaks as well. He's a risk worth taking as his upside is too high this game. I actually don't want Laca and would take DCL instead, allows me a bit more cash to upgrade elsewhere. The price changes have been kind to me so far as I'm waiting for last min to press if I were to press it.

          1. Esalman
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            That makes sense, cheers!

  7. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How is this FH draft? (Assuming Spurs match are confirmed to go ahead)

    De Gea
    Dias Schar Tierney
    KDB Bruno Son Gundogan
    Laca Kane Wilson

    Sanchez SmithRowe Clark Mitchell

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks really good

  8. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If the Spurs game goes on then would you pick DDG or Lloris as your GK?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ddg

    2. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably DDG cos Dier's cheaper than Maguire/AWB

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've Dias Cancelo Tierney. Can't get any Def by the two teams

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Lloris then, better defence whether he faces Villa U23s or Fulham.

  9. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For dgw19. Wildcard active atm.

    Antonio or Cresswell?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Easier to answer after the FA cup tie this evening. Hopefully Antonio starts, plays well and comes off after 60 mins unhurt.

  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So is the GW18 WC strategy to field 11 in 18 and BB in 19? I guess with ARS having a decent 18/19 (albeit no double) this could work.

    1. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s what I’m running with. Obvs keeping an eye on the Spurs v Villa announcement which will influence my WC team.

  11. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any fixture news / latest rumours?

  12. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With my 2 free transfers I have 6 players or do I use my Free hit??

  13. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Safe to press the FH button right? Villa game unsure but the season won't take a break this week?
    Thanks.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You wouldn't ask if it was safe.

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You are right. But the games start tomorrow. Would understand if one game is postponed but Covid break must be announced at least a few days in advance I guess.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Could be a mere few hours. But we're supposed to get confirmation later today. You can jiggle your squad around before deadline on a FH anyway.

          1. Live Lad
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            The team is almost set even if the Villa game isn't sure. I picked Son only from that game and Saiss as first sub, and other playing cheap players.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              My FH squad looks good, but if Spuds play Fulham, I'll rip it up to get triple Spuds in.

              1. Salarrivederci
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Why is Fulham such a great opponent for Spurs?
                Fulham have been pretty tight at the back lately, and well rested too.
                0-0 against Southampton
                1-1 Newcastle with a red card
                0-0 Brighton
                1-1 Liverpool
                And a mere 2-0 defeat against City

                1. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  That's true. Maybe Dier then.

                  1. Salarrivederci
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Gonna keep Son no matter what happens before the deadline. But if Spurs - Fulham is confirmed later today I think I might get Areola next to Martínez on a WC. Dier could be good as well, but it is not hard to find good defensive options at the moment.

                    Not sure about Kane. Would prefer to play DGW19 with Salah/Mané - KDB - Bruno - Son, and with two city defenders it is hard to fit in Kane imo.

                2. EmreCan Hustle
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Fulham is better than Villa IMO

                  1. Salarrivederci
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Yes on paper. But would rather own Kane and Son against a half first/half youth team with no training the last weeks time, than I would face in in-form defensive Fulham side well rested and prepared tbh

    2. theplayer
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tbh if you've waited this long, I'd wait til tomorrow now for more news. Obviously we might find out about the Villa Spurs situation and rumours last night of a circuit breaker announcement for all sport today. Only a rumour at the moment but that should be enough to not hit the FH button for now. See what the day brings first.

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I don't mind waiting but wondered if nothing is announced about a circuit breaker by now, we can assume the games will go ahead. OK if Spurs do not play as I'll be picking a good enough bench.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          For me, the problem is Villa announcing their last covid test results just hours before the game. If too many first teamers test positive, it will likely be called off post-deadline.

        2. theplayer
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Not at all. If a circuit breaker was announced today, it would probably be effective from tomorrow. Like I say its just a rumour I first seen on here last night so no idea if it's true or not.

  14. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Villa23s vs Son & Kane 😮

    1. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes please.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do we know the reason for Kane not beeing in the squad yesterday?

      1. Fozzyb34r
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Rest I guess

  15. Rob
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hedging my bets on the Villa v Spurs possible cancellation in case we don't get word before the deadline;

    Darlow
    Cancelo / Stones / Maguire / Wan Bissaka
    De Bruyne (VC) / Fernandes / Son / Saka
    Kane (C) / Lacazette

    Bench: Wilson / Smith-Rowe / Lascelles / Steer

    Wilson and Smith-Rowe step in if Spurs do not play to manage downside risk.

  16. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Via the The Athletic: Tottenham vs Fulham being lined up to replace the Villa game.

    A further possibility that Ful vs Che then gets moved to Saturday... which would mean a TRIPLE game week for Chelsea?!

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I can't imagine Chelsea accepting that.

      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ha whoops, obviously not a triple... they will only play Fulham once! That game stays in GW19, just pushed back by a day. Bit too early for me...

        But the Fulham vs Spurs thing sounds like it is a genuine possibility at least.

        https://theathletic.com/2313623/2021/01/11/fulham-holding-football-soccer?source=user-shared-article

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeh, that could happen - maybe move Che-Ful from Friday to Sunday. If so, it will be officially announced later today.

  17. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Reckon we’ll know the Aston Villa situation before the deadline? Currently have Kane and Son on the FH but want to rejig my team if possible.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Supposed to get official news today. If not, I'd be worried.

  18. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What happened to today's price changes (or no changes)?

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No changes

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Rags

  19. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    how's this for a fh? tryin something different

    darlow
    telles holding cancelo
    kdb auba bruno son saka
    wilson martial

    forster mcgoldrick mitchell bernado

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Telles played the full 90 in the FA Cup. If Shaw's fit he'll play. Too much uncertainty for either - I'd get Maguire.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No baps Maguire? No thanks. AWB.

  20. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just had a dream, City and United fixture was postponed. Spurs v Fulham rescheduled to GW18 and after 10 mins into the game Kane scores a goal and an assist and Son had two assists, then I woke up..

    I had KDB (C) Bruno (VC) lol

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How often do these dreams come true?

  21. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good afternoon DZ.

    Original plan was to field 9 without hits.
    Have those 9 players currently. Brought in KdB and ESR for free.
    But 5 of them are in the Villa vs. Spurs match. Kane, Son, Watkins, Dier and Martinez.

    Assuming the game might be called off after deadline...

    1. Should I FH and leaving out all Villa and Spurs assets?
    2. Still have some of them in the FH team?

    Thanks.

  22. Brunsvigeren
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can you make 1 FT transfer this gameweek ahead of gw19, and then make the Freehit chip for use in this gw18?

    1. Brunsvigeren
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Does the question makes sence?

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No, if you use the free hit this week then all transfers are covered, you can't make any permanent ones.

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no, your transfer will be lost and you will revert to your squad in GW17

  23. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH folk, what's your bench looking like? A load of cheap fodder and hope your 11 start?

    Currently have Sanchez, Mitchell, Stephens, Brewster. Playing 442 as it stands

    Should upgrade my bench for fear a game gets cancelled?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      is there much of a chance that some your 11 starters may need to quarantine after the deadline or that a game gets cancelled, which would mean relying on your bench ?
      or just good old rotation with 3 games in a week for some ?

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No the starting 11 seem locked in unless Pep rotation happens for example. My query is more related to the possibility of a game being postponed due to COVID.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          is there any recent examples of games being postponed after the deadline due to covid or players having to drop out of teams due to covid?

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yes it's happened twice in the last 2 GWs

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              you may want a better bench to deal with that eventuality perhaps ? I would for sure

              1. The Left Duke #3
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Ya someone like Clark for Newcasyle ay 4.5m is a nice sub. Brewster is fine. Could always go 352 with Saka and then have playing subs.

  24. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    -
    Dias, Dier, AWB, Lamptey (ffit)
    KDB, Bruno. Son
    Kane

    I currently have a strong 7 possibly 8. Who should I add to it (I can't get Saka or Lacca for free)

    A) Saka and Wilson (hit needed to get Salah next GW)
    B) Rowe and Lacca (hit needed to get Salah next GW)
    C) Rowe and Fabio Silva