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. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC draft looking ok for now?

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rüdiger Shaw Coady Veltman
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Arise, Sir Olidooley!

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        WC season is upon us.

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      personally don't like that defensive lineup at all. Attackers are good though!

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Almost same with my draft, I have Dias, Holding instead of Coady and Veltman.

  2. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Allison just not the same after injury. :S

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I took a jousting stick to the shoulder once and I haven't been the same since either.

  3. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What do we reckon?
    1. Cresswell-> TAA or Rudi + Bamf/Watkins -> Aguero (c). (-4). Punty.
    2. Cresswell or Dallas-> Rudi or Phillips + Odegaard -> Salah (c). -4. Safer.

    Martinez.
    Shaw, Dallas, Stones, Cresswell.
    Fernandes, Jota, Raphinha, Son, Odegaard.
    Kane.
    Steer, Bamford, Watkins, Burn.
    1ft, 6.1m ITB. No chips left.

    1. whitepool
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2. Aguero form so poor it makes an easy decision

    2. whitepool
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      And I would choose Dallas to Rudiger AND Odegarrd a nice differential play IMO

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

    WC team and starting line up gtg? (Got BB and TC still)

    Mendy (Forster)
    Rudiger Stones Coady (Shaw, Phillips)
    Bruno Son Jota Salah (c) Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho (Vydra)
    (0.0m itb)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's the same as all the others. Have you been copying?

    2. whitepool
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Like it. My WC team is the exact same other than I have Dias and Wood rather than Coady and Vydra.

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

      Start Phillips over Coady

      1. olidooley
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        All the WCders like myself have the hard on for Trent....Phillips covers that somewhat

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          That's a sausage fest

    4. Hktrader88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I've got very similar. But wondering if there is any point in Vydra. Maybe best just putting in Brewster or Davis and then the extra cash gives you transfer flexibility in the future. E.g good chance you may want to upgrade Nacho to Bamford for the last 3.

  5. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed. Salah + Phillips in.
    Jota or Trent?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota

  6. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bench three of a) coady b) shaw c) Vydra d) Bruno & e) son?thanks

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How about play 2 instead 😉

      Bruno and Shaw

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeh thanks agree that is a better question ,

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

          Bruno & Son ; Spurs will certainly score

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers

  7. HNI
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Goodmorning guys, Which would you rather have?
    1) Lingard + Antonio
    2) Dcl + Perreira(Wba)
    Everton has dgw sometime and wba has still chance of fighting for survival. Although Lingard is in form, cant afford him + Dcl..

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Antonio flagged, waiting on scan results.

  8. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Capt kdb too risky?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Played 90 yesterday and an important 2nd leg coming up. Pretty certain he's benched in the weekend.

  9. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    is Amartey time is over..?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  10. Crazy RedDevil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lingard or jota? For jota I've to take out Gundogan and for lingard, I've to take out Raphina...pls suggest

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lingard

  11. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which LIV combo to have for this favourable run-in?

    A. TAA & Jota
    B. Phillips & Salah

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  12. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If Antonio misses some matches due to injury, is that lowers Lingard's potential as an FPL option?

    I was set to do Gundo > Lingard, but now need some more news on Antonio to confirm that.

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think Lingard remains a good option.

  13. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will gundo play v Leeds?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wish I knew, I have gone from captaining him this week to potentially losing him on a WC.

    2. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don't know, I would probably go with NO city players on WC

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm really starting to consider this tbh.

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers for replies Waldo & Fpl . I was considering getting gundo on WC then swaping for son Gw32? Otherwise I could just get son this week rather than Gundo?

  14. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which players are you gonna retain on WC?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bruno, Shaw and Kane are my only locks at this stage.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kane, Salah, Bruno and maybe Martinez and Rudiger

    3. NorwEagles
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger, Dias, Coufal, Kane, Salah and Bruno.

    4. Steiger
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just Kane and Lingard

  15. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    tough fixtures for some of the popular assets this week - Spurs, Man U, Leeds, Villa etc ... will probably be a 100 point game week 🙂

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Reason why WC this week is a good move as most teams are loaded up with players from these 4 teams

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yip, big fixture swing

  16. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota may triple rise this game week 🙂

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hopefully awards his owners with a 1pt appearance 😉

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Hope not, but I have Gundo on my bench ... oh wait 🙂

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very nearly double rose last week without playing

  17. S3
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Stones, Shaw, Digne
    Salah, Lingard, Son, Gundo, Raphinha
    Kane, DCL,

    Sanchez Cancelo Watkins Vestergaard
    1FT ; 2.1ITB

    A. Gundo >> Jota
    B. Raphinha >> Jota
    C. Cancelo >> Alonso/Azpi
    D. Gundogan + Cancelo >> Jota + Alonso/Azpi (-4)

    1. NorwEagles
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A for my money.

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just get rid of Digne first however possible

      1. S3
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Digne to TAA vs Gundo to Jota??...0.3 short of. making both transfers

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Would get TAA first as Gundagon could haul vs Leeds

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  18. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota or Salah - who to get in this gw?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah if you have to choose between the two

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah

  19. NorwEagles
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I’m looking at a WC team of

    Mendy (Forster)
    Dias Shaw Rudiger (Coufal Philips)
    KDB Salah Bruno Lingard Jota
    Kane Iheanacho (Vydra)

    My worry is that it’s too template. (Currently sitting 20k OR) Any moves I should consider to spice it up, or is that overthinking?

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

      It's only template on here. Not that many people are going to come to this side.

      The team looks great, I don't think it really needs any tweaks. I might be tempted by Coady over Rudiger, but your way is fine.

      1. NorwEagles
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I was tempted by that! Then I watched Wolves play...

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

      I pulled in Kevin 4 weeks ago with the idea of having him C vs leeds, then swapping to Salah Vs leeds in 32.

      Now I really cannot see him starting - the questions is will he come on?

  20. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How is this WC 1st draft? Son to become Salah after 32. 3.4ITB

    Lloris
    Rudiger TAA Dias
    Bruno Jota Lingard Son Neto
    Kane Nacho

    Martinez Watkins Shaw Mitchell

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

      Strong squad. Who are you captaining this week?

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No idea yet. Maybe Jota.

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would you start Lloris any GW other than the DGW?

      Don't see too many clean sheets for Spurs to be honest

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Lloris is just for DGW32 and off/bench he goes.

        Haven't been following but Emi has a double soon also right?

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          If its just for DGW, feel it's lot of money on the bench, wouldnt surprise me if they concede in both games

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          DGW looks likely in 35 with United and Everton

          One cs all season against top 8 for Martinez. Any number of teams could get a DGW in 35.

  21. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Likely BB in 32

    Areola | Johnstone
    Dias Shaw Phillips
    Salah Bruno Son Lingard Saka
    Kane Richarlison
    | Iheanacho Coady Amartey

    Can this WC setup work out?

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If you have BB left why not wait until the rumoured dgw in 35?

  22. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it crazy to sell Dias on WC and go with Edeson or no City at all?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not crazy at all. I have Stones, and looking to loose him in the next couple GWs. The closer they get to the title, more unpredictable Pep's roulette will get imo.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not one but crazy. Ederson is City's only nailed on player. There might be cheaper keeper alternatives to suit budget better and City have a blank in GW33.

  23. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Morning
    a) Play Meslier or Martinez?
    b) Play Raphinha or Bamford?
    c) KDB or Lingard (c)?

    Thanx

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Marti, Raph, Lingz

  24. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    play:
    a. Martinez
    b. Johnstone

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      John

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Martinez

  25. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sell one for salah

    a. gundo
    b. raphina

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mate. Digne Raph > salah taa for a hit?

        1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yes, it will pay off

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers bud

  26. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Rüdiger Azpi Digne
    KDB Bruno Son Mount Gündo
    Kane DCL

    Fabri; Konsa, Burn, Brewster

    KDB and Gündo to Salah and Saka? Have 2ft and looking to offload City players

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe do it next week?

      1. aapoman
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Don't believe KDB and Gündo start against Leeds. They play against Dortmund again next week so most likely rested against Leeds

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Saka still has hamstring problem. Punt on M Pereira for 5.3m or Jota instead of Salah gives a lot of possibilities?

          1. aapoman
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Saka could play. Arsenal play in the Europa tomorrow so if he is in the squad I think I'd choose him

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              They could have done with him v Liverpool. Played much too deep. Tidy player. Good luck with your picks.

  27. RichRover
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it better to wildcard this week, or wait until the next round of Champions League is over?

  28. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not much interest in Ings. Blank in GW33 but a double due, tricky looking fixtures for Saints win but he can still score and needs to have any chance of getting in Euros squad. Calvert Lewin's dip in form not doing him any favours for Euro spot. Looks tired and Danny fresh after injury.

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do we think Adams has lost his place again? would want to consider him for budget reasons

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Possibly. Wouldn't buy him if not sure. In a roundabout way a bit like Ihenacho since Maddison return, gametime looking less certain.

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I am lookin for DGW35 players to would sit on the bench until then, Saints and palace are likely to have nice doubles, cant convince myself to get palace fwds though

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            It's a long stretch to have money on the bench for players not to be injured or suspended beforehand. Even a hit or two just before 35 will guarantee you starter's and help you max out for the GW in between.

  29. CapK
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pope
    Azpi / Cress / Stones
    Jota / Kevin (C) / Gundo / Lingz / Raph
    Kane / DCL

    Marti / Bamford / Dunk / Dallas

    g2g?
    No chips, No transfers, 3.4M ITB for Gundo > Son next week

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Afraid of KDB will be benched

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

      Same, but its hard as I brought in Kevin 4 weeks ago as Captain for this GW - if he dosnt start I dont think he will come on, so im going to go for it with Kane vice

  30. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How about one week punt, Sterling vs LEE?
    Will be Salah in gw 32.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If you think he will start, go for it