Line-up Lessons

Which Arsenal players are most likely to avoid rotation during season run-in?

Ahead of an expected rush of Wildcards in Gameweek 31, Anna Woodberry analyses which players stand the best chance of beating Mikel Arteta’s rotation policy at Arsenal.


Arsenal sit second of our Season Ticker over the next five Gameweeks when clubs are sorted by ease of fixture. Mikel Arteta’s side face the four bottom Premier League clubs over this period, with a tough home match against Everton sandwiched in the middle.

For Fantasy Premier League managers on their Wildcard, or those looking to maximise their transfer(s) this Gameweek, these fixtures could yield good returns.

That said, Arsenal’s form this season and their quarter-final matches against Slavia Prague must be considered when choosing which assets to go for. 

We have weighed up their credentials in this latest article by considering recent performances as well as investigating which players are the most likely to play consistent minutes in the Premier League between now and Gameweek 38.

Arsenal have not impressed as many would have expected during Arteta’s reign. The Gunners had a particularly poor start to the league and found themselves languishing in fifteenth place after eleven Premier League matches. However, Arteta has managed to pull them back up during the second half of the season, where they are now flittering between ninth and eleventh position.

Source: Wikipedia

This is in spite of a tough run of fixtures in their last ten games, which saw them play both Manchester clubs, Leicester City, Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool. They picked up 12 points from a possible 30 from these matches: winning three, drawing three and losing four. 

Yet they only managed one clean sheet during this period (and have zero in their last six) while conceding 15 goals in total, six of which came in their last two matches against West Ham and Liverpool. 

On the flip side, though they only netted 14 goals during the same period, the team scored two or more goals in four of the ten games and are in the top five for goals scored over the past six matches. Given that their upcoming fixtures are against bottom-half clubs with poorer defensive records, this is something FPL managers will be hoping Arsenal could replicate over the next few Gameweeks.

EUROPEAN DISTRACTION

Who has the best and worst upcoming FPL fixtures? 14

The biggest headache for FPL managers, however, will be factoring in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign. Their quarter-final first leg against Slavia Prague takes place on Thursday evening, three days before their Gameweek 31 match against Sheffield United. Meanwhile, the second leg is scheduled for the following week, in between Gameweek 31 and Gameweek 32 (Fulham). 

If they get through this quarter-final, the semi-final fixtures are pencilled to take place in and around their Gameweek 34 and 35 matches against Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion, meaning the Gunners are facing the prospect of nine games in 30 days. So, while Arsenal are playing the four bottom Premier League teams, this is happening in amongst their European campaign, raising concerns over how much Arteta might rotate his squad to cope with this demand.

This concern is increased when considering which competition the Spaniard might favour going into the final part of the season as the Europa League arguably represents the best chance for the club to make it into the Champions League next season.

The Gunners are ten points off fourth place with eight Premier League matches to go but are battling a host of rivals to get there. Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are all above Arteta’s team, so the odds are stacked against them to win a European qualifying spot through domestic channels.

This could have ramifications for Arteta’s team selection in the Premier League over the next few Gameweeks. He utilised fringe players in the group stages of the Europa League, keeping his main stars – Kieran Tierney (£5.3m), Alexandre Lacazette (£8.2m) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.4m) – for the league. This may change now we are reaching the latter stages of the competition, especially if this is Arsenal’s best chance of playing in Europe next year. 

TIME FOR THE ‘BIG GUNS’

If we compare the Arsenal players’ minutes for the group-stage and knock-out matches of the Europa League this season, we can already see a shift towards the more experienced group. 14 players – Bernd Leno (£5.0m), Tierney, Hector Bellerin (£5.0m), Gabriel (£4.9m), David Luiz (£5.4m), Thomas Partey (£4.9m), Martin Odegaard (£6.0m), Dani Ceballos (£4.7m), Granit Xhaka (£5.2m), Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m), Bukayo Saka (£5.2m), Aubameyang, Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) and Willian (£7.5m) – have all featured more in the knock-out stages than they did during the group matches.

This is also reflected when looking at the starting line-ups. Leno, Bellerin, David Luiz, Gabriel, Xhaka and Aubameyang have started all four knock-out games so far, with Tierney, Ceballos, Saka, Odegaard and Smith Rowe starting three. Therefore, we would expect Arteta to turn to these players again for the two legs against Slavia Prague. 

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE

The issue this poses for FPL managers is whether these players will feature in the Premier League games either side of those quarter-final matches. Though hard to predict, we can see which players started a high number of league games in and around the Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches against Benfica and Olympiacos in February and March. 

Leno, David Luiz, Tierney, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard and Aubameyang were the only players to start four or more games in the league, suggesting they would be the best bets to play against Sheffield United and Fulham. In contrast, stalwarts Bellerin and Gabriel only started two games each, so might see their league minutes similarly restricted if they play on Thursday.

However, injuries could change this completely. David Luiz looks set to miss the next couple weeks after undergoing knee surgery, leaving Gabriel (£4.9m) to shoulder the principal centre-back burden. In his absence, Arteta could turn to either Rob Holding (£4.2m) and/or Pablo Marí (£4.4m) to partner Gabriel in the Europa League and Premier League games. Both are budget-value defenders who could easily fill the fourth or fifth spots in any FPL team.

In addition, Arsenal fear that Tierney could be ruled out for a similar period to Luiz after limping off in the first half against Liverpool in Gameweek 30. If true, this leaves Cedric Soares (£4.6m) and Saka as the Gunners’ left-back options since Sead Kolasinac went on loan to Schalke in January. With this uncertainty, it means Leno is probably the most reliable way into Arsenal’s defence.   

In terms of midfield and attack though, Odegaard and Aubameyang are the safest picks, but whether they represent the best value for money compared to other players in those price brackets remains to be seen. They could be good differential picks if they start though.

For FPL managers feeling a bit risky, Nicolas Pépé (£7.6m) and Eddie Nketiah (£5.4m) were frequently used in the group stages of the Europa League to give the more established players rest. Arteta could utilise the two again but in the league this time, especially if the tie against Slavia Prague is still close after the first leg.

941 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    OMG asensio

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

    Such a joke pool's defence

  3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How bad were arsenal?

    This is so bad from Liverpool

    Some defending by trent

  4. Nimby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Do I really want Liverpool on my WC after watching this?

  5. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    And TAA wonders why he is fourth-choice right-back for England

  6. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wtf Trent 😆

  7. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Trent is terrible tonight.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He’s been poor most of this season

  8. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    TAA on form with another assist

  9. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    ASENSIOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  10. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    World class play boys

  11. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Trent is getting destroyed

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Doesn’t matter for FPL though does it

      0% chance he is dropped and he will terrorise the bottom half teams

  12. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ederson and City were so lucky there. Awful refereeing

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Oh no, it was a clear foul

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        You're joking right?

        Ref should have let him score and then let VAR check it. Bit of a fault in the system that because he blew for a free before the ball was tapped in, it can't be checked.

        1. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Absolutely this!

        2. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          There was clear contact + dangerous play

    2. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Agree, worst mistake I have seen in a long time.

  13. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ederson very lucky.

  14. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    People really are buying TAA on WC coz all he did was give a 12 ptr against weak Arsenal LMAO

    1. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It is statistically proven that he is awful. Not sure why everyone says he is a good player. Is it because he plays so advanced for a defender?

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Statistically? Link please.

        1. A. PRISE
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Here you go, you and that other idiot who liked yoir idiotic comment. Shows how much you understand the game.

          https://talksport.com/football/837547/liverpool-trent-alexander-arnold-cause-for-concern-hype-steve-mcmahon/

          1. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            It was a genuine question actually. That was Steve Mcmahon's view? Wow! That changes everything. I mean, no one can disagree with Steve. Thanks.

            1. A. PRISE
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              He broke the premier league record for possession lost and then broke it again.... that's a stat you uneducated chimp

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Thanks for the masterclass Einstein. It's now official. Debate over.

                1. A. PRISE
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  It was never a debate, we are different species. I am actually amazed you can form sentences. A pretty evolved ape. Now eat your banana

                  1. Paqueta Rice
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    You are a very punchable character.

                    1. A. PRISE
                      • 3 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Thanks, it is one of the disadvantages of being intelligent

                      1. Utopsis
                        • 4 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Your intelligence has not enabled you to respond to the correct comment though.

                      2. Paqueta Rice
                        • 3 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        You’re intelligence worked in getting you the attention you craved. Our own faults really, shouldn’t feed the monkeys !

                      3. Paqueta Rice
                        • 3 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        *your

                  2. Supersonic Marv'
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    Human beings are apes you f**king dunce.

                    1. A. PRISE
                      • 3 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Not all apes are human beings you orangutan! Chimps are also apes. You can have a banana as well

                      1. Supersonic Marv'
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Well you sure showed me.

                      2. A. PRISE
                        • 3 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Well you were wrong so instead of saying "you showed me", eat your banana and shut up

                      3. Supersonic Marv'
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Good grief you are spectacularly stupid.

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

                    What's your problem? Why are you calling this guy a chimp when you're the one behaving in such a ridiculously primitive way.

                    1. A. PRISE
                      • 3 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      If one is a chimp then it would be rude to call him otherwise

                  4. Tinkermania
                    • 4 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    I am not amazed. I know how much vitriol is spilt online. Not many can hold a decent debate without insults. I can even tell the type of people that go on to abuse footballers on line. Vile beings! Not you sir, you are a fine gentleman.

          2. ivanthemerciless
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            No stats in that link

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Shhhh! Steve McMahon said it. That beats any stats. lol

              1. A. PRISE
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                "Against Leicester last week, Alexander-Arnold lost possession an incredible 45 times. He gave the ball away 38 times in a defeat at Southampton last month, which was a record in the Premier League this season."

                Stats you orangutan

            2. A. PRISE
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              "Against Leicester last week, Alexander-Arnold lost possession an incredible 45 times. He gave the ball away 38 times in a defeat at Southampton last month, which was a record in the Premier League this season."

              That is the definition of a stat you Darwinian nightmare

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                So, you are saying he became the worst defender in the game against Leicester? You do the name calling wise man.

                1. A. PRISE
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  He broke the premier league record for possession lost and then broke it again...

                  I am saying that you are an uneducated chimp if you don't understand what this means. Now go eat a banana

                  1. Utopsis
                    • 4 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    You can't have a disagreement without name calling? How old are you?

                  2. bigwig
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    Wow, you're an idiot

                    1. A. PRISE
                      • 3 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Still right though

                      1. bigwig
                        • 13 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Nonsense. He's has a bad season, but Liverpool have generally. I don't care how many times he gives the ball away. As long as he can put it on Jota's head and me an assist I don't care

      2. Isco Disco
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He's ENGLISH, has good crossing technique and England don't have any other good RB. That's why people rate him so highly here

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Just like people in England think they have the best striker iN tHe WoRlD 😉

  15. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    And people are really willing to pay 7.3m for this Liverpool defense. Yeah that's a no from me. Phillips will do.

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think the likes of JoeLinton will given them less trouble 🙂

      But agree - I’ll be going Phillips.

    2. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Philips is a great shout actually. At least you won't be mad if he blanks

    3. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool can't defend. They will concede Vs Villa and Leeds so maybe from gw33 I would consider

  16. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Dortmud getting destroyed.... by the ref.

    1. JonSnow
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      belligham goal ruled a foul was a joke

  17. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So it was Arsenal after all.

    Liverpool triple up off the cards.

  18. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Are we going to have a Pukki party again then next season?

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

      I'm in from day 1

  19. JonSnow
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    bellingham absolutely robbed of a goal there wow

    1. Maarrrr17
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's so aggravating. Straight robbery, and officials are so easily influenced by how much city milks every physical bit of contact they receive. It's painful to watch.

  20. Random Name
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Trent doesn't have a place in the national team. EFL League 2 standard of defending. And attacking prowess inferior to the likes of Sancho and Saka.

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Keita off

    Thiago on

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

      Injury?

  22. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Keita the scapegoat.

    1. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I mean, I’m a Keita fan... but he was awful! Not his fault, he’s clearly not ready for selection for a game of this magnitude

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wow kabak with a terrible mistake

    Nearly another goal

  24. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    lmao that high line

  25. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Klopp's reaction to that Kabak mistake 😆

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      11 lads off the street playing in red again tonight...

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        The same lads Arsenal put out on Saturday. At least they're making some money during the pandemic.

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          😀

  26. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    MCI showing some real quality

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

      What about Haaland?

    2. Maarrrr17
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Quality influencing the ref.

  27. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How many 5/10 yard passes have Liverpool given away? 😆

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

      Its embarrassing

  28. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Phillips feels overpriced on the basis of this defensive display, never mind TAA

  29. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    HT: #ChampionsLeague #UCL

    White circle #RealMadrid 2 (1.42 xG)
    Red circle #LFC 0 (0.00 xG)

    LOL

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      0.00 seems too high...

  30. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The taa conundrum - why invest in what could be potentially a continuation of a terrible defence vs the great fixtures & the potential bonus and assist capabilities!!

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ditch all pool there trash