Pro Pundits

Should we buy Arsenal players in FPL and who are the best picks?

A lot of people are going to be Wildcarding either this Gameweek or next and I thought it might be worthwhile to have a closer look at Arsenal and whether it is worth investing in their Fantasy Premier League (FPL) picks.

The Gunners have had a topsy-turvy season so far but have found some rhythm in the last three Gameweeks. But do you read too much from games against Norwich, Burnley and a Tottenham Hotspur team that are in a very bad moment? In this case, I decided to outsource opinion and asked three Arsenal fans I trust about their opinion on their players from a Fantasy perspective.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Adam (@ThreeFiveWho),  @OrpheusJones & Karan ( NighthawkFPL), who were kind enough to provide insight on their team.

The reason Arsenal have our attention is primarily because of their fixtures. They have some good-looking matches in the mid-term as well as the short-term.

The home games especially look really enticing and there are a few strong budget options that have cropped up for the Gunners. In my opinion, Arsenal showed some good form at the end of last season as well and the results against Manchester City and Chelsea are down to the fact that they are two of the best teams in the league – and it doesn’t help if you’re facing them with half your team injured or ill.

In the second half of last season, this was Arsenal’s rank in the league for the given metrics:

  • Goals: 6th         
  • Expected goals (xG): 7th
  • Goals Conceded: 6th      
  • Expected goals conceded (xGC): 5th

Those are strong rankings and I just wanted to make the point that we are not investing in them just on the positive upturn of results we have seen in the last three games.

Another big factor that I like about Mikel Arteta’s side is that they are playing once a week and have no European interruptions.

SHOULD WE BUY ARSENAL PLAYERS IN FPL?

I went ahead and asked the Arsenal fans if FPL managers should invest in their team right now. All of them were very optimistic and clear with their answers.

I think right up till Gameweek 13, we have four decent home fixtures in Palace, Aston Villa, Watford and Newcastle so I think going with one asset is preferable. – Karan

There will be few better opportunities all season to invest in Arsenal players, not just because the fixtures look more favourable, but also because the shifting dynamics of squad balance lends itself to some of the Gunners’ lower-priced options.- Adam

I do think it is worth investing in us because we are in a good moment but I wouldn’t go overboard. We still only scored one against Norwich and it took a free-kick to unlock Burnley. – Orpheus

GOALKEEPER

A lot of FPL managers want to invest in Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m) and are wondering if he is nailed-on for their spot. In my opinion, Arteta has always spoken about ‘specialist’ players and I think that Ramsdale just suits their system more. He’s very good with the ball at his feet, which is something Arteta needs, and seeing the chemistry, the ‘shoulder thumping’ and the leadership he is already showing at the back, I think he’s firmly placed himself as Arsenal’s #1 right now. The Gunners fans I’ve spoken to agree.

Personally, I think he is. Over the last four games he has played, he has demonstrated that he’s comfortable with Arteta’s style of playing out from the back. His composure, confidence and communication has been a delight to watch. The fact that Arteta trusted him in the north London derby suggests he will continue playing. – Karan

Firstly, Ramsdale, yes he is worth getting, I am looking to make the switch from Robert Sanchez as soon as possible. Maybe even for a hit this week. Just look at the upcoming home fixtures: CRY, AVL, WAT, NEW, SOT, WHM, WOL, MCI, BUR, BRE. This is all the way until February. – Orpheus

I’d be very surprised if Ramsdale lost his spot. Arteta made a statement of intent spending so much on him in the summer. Ever since he got his opportunity in the side he has brought personality, and a penalty area dominance Bernd Leno lacks.– Adam

It’s also worth noting that Arsenal’s style of play should add to Ramsdale’s chances of getting bonus points, due to pass completion.

DEFENDERS

Moving on, who are the defenders worth targeting?

In the last three games, when all of Ben White (£4.4m), Gabriel Magalhaes (£5.0m), Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m), Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m) and Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) have started together, these are how the baseline bonus points (BBPS) look:

It appears as if Gabriel and Ramsdale look good for bonus points based on this small sample, while White edges out Tomiyasu who is available at the same price.

Arsenal do play a lopsided centre-half system where they tend to form a three at the back, meaning that Tierney joins on the left-hand side in attack while Tomiyasu tends to tuck in. My guess is that Tomiyasu will be more attacking in the kinder fixtures in the future but the difference in positioning between both wing-backs is here to see in this touch map below (Tomiyasu right, Tierney left).

If you do have the cash for Tierney, he is definitely the more attacking player but there is always the worry over injury at the back of your mind. It is worth noting that Tomiyasu has had two shots from inside the box so far but has created zero chances.

What do the Arsenal fans think?

An interesting idea given how cheap White is, together with them home fixtures is to get Ramsdale and White. You can bench White and get an Alonso/Cancelo knowing White is there on your bench with a likely return to come on if needed. – Orpheus

In defence, I’d have Ramsdale or Tomiyasu. Both are cheap and will possibly offer a bigger upside than White. – Karan

Aside from Tierney, who is the obvious pick, the budget defensive options of Ramsdale and White present a great route into a Gunners defence that, now up to full strength, looks to be creating some solidity. – Adam

All three of them are of the opinion that the addition of Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel and Ramsdale, in conjunction with the fact that Thomas Partey (£5.0m) is fit, makes their defence a good one to invest in.

MIDFIELDERS AND FORWARDS

Let’s get to the attack then: which are the Arsenal players worth considering?

That is it from me this week. I hope you enjoyed that write-up on Arsenal and diving in has definitely given me a lot more context from the Gunners.

I recommend you check out this week’s episode of The FPL Wire where we discuss Manchester City, Chelsea, Wildcard picks and a whole host of macro topics in details.

697 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford, Grealish & TAA
    >
    Lukaku, ESR & Rudiger

    yes/no?

    1. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. But Grealish might come good.

      1. Norco
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah feels weird shipping Grealish with his run coming up.

        1. OneDennisBergkamp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          my only way to get Lukaku is lose Grealish, would you still lose Grealish?

        2. Harry the Hack
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Grealish could actually drop this week, he's being shipped on mass

    2. reubster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish has been playing while Foden is out. And there's Sterling as well. I can't see him holding the nailed on spot. Well, that's obvious I suppose.

  2. Norco
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best option?

    1. Dias + D.Luiz(bench) - Essentially locked at 4-3-3
    2. Cash + ESR(bench or play) - Options to play 4-3-3 or 3-4-3

  3. Jässi
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    For this GW only what is the best option (will wildcard during the international break):

    A) TAA to Alonso
    B) Pukki to Lukaku & TAA to Livramento (play double Brighton def) -4
    C) Grealish to Son

    1. ExpressoMySonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed:

    How do these moves look for the next couple of weeks?

    GW7 Bamford > Toney
    GW8 Cr7 > Lukaku
    GW9 Marcal > Dias

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks great

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Amazing, this week would be for a -4! All the others for free.

        1. Von Lipwig
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Really good, but maybe wait on Bamford news before taking a -4. You never know! Any thoughts on mine below?

  5. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best 1-week punt for a striker under 8.8 mil?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jimenez

    2. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wood

  6. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking ahead to GW8:

    Thinking of taking a -4, currently on BX. Thoughts?

    A) Marcal > Dias
    B) Duffy > Dias

    X) Traore > Gray
    Y) Jota > Benrahma/Gray
    Z) Bamford > ASM

    1. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      BX for me, or B and Y but I'd go for Gray personally.

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate, seems we are of one mind

  7. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    i wouldnt be shocked if Lukaku is given a rest and he plays Werner against Southampton

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cringe

    2. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would cause uproar

    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lol nice try

  8. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    i wouldnt be shocked if Ronaldo is given a rest and he plays Cavani against Everton

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cringe

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Predicted linups at whoscored dot com seem to agree with you. I'm a bit worried, with Bamford also to take care of

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I wasn't being serious btw - although anything could happen

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Lol it won’t happen, maybe in an alternate universe, but not here.

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would only happen if Ronaldo gave Ole's missus a visit.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Especially given what he’s like with women

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would be. He will start. 100%. What's possible is both start, Greenwood to the bench.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        this was a (pretty obvious) joke btw

  9. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I wouldnt be shocked if Alonso is given a rest and he plays Chillwell against Southampton

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why?? He played 45 , 2 weeks rest coming

  10. Davros
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale interesting hadn’t realised he is 4.5

    But don’t think I’ll have a luxury GK transfer anytime soon

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Many are getting him for -4. Luckily I am on WC 🙂

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same. I can wait a bit and get him for an extra 0.1.

  11. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wild carding next week. I don’t have a bench.
    TAA and Bamford to Alonso and Jiminez for -4?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You trust Alonso to start?

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Horsie, you can't take -4 for one week and risk no show imo.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks doggy

  12. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I wouldnt be shocked....

  13. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Keep TAA on a wildcard or nah?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I am thinking nah atm. Leaving money itb though.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I feel like there is a good chance that he plays against watford and I would defintely want to play him in that fixture. Tough choice

    2. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      took him out and left money in the bank to bring him back in

  14. slamdunk
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wtf do i do here everyone?

    Heads spinning a bit...

    Sanchez
    Taa Shaw Ayling

    Salah Jota Raph Benrahma

    Armstrong Antonio Ronny

    Steele Duffy Livramento Brownhill

    1 free transfer and 2.9m itb.No WC available,

    Many thanks

    Many thanks

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota > Sarr, Then Defender to Dias next week. My 2 cents

  15. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A or B

    A Robbo Mendy Odeguard/Gallagher Doucoure

    B Rudigar Ederson Grealish D.Luiz

    (One will be a sub each week)

  16. apprehensivepipe4
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcard RMT!

    Ramsdale Foster

    Dias Cancelo Azpi Rudiger Livramento

    Salah Grealish Raphina ESR D. Luiz

    Lukaku Antonio Toney

    1.5 ITB

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Decent WC team.

  17. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Bamford > ASM -4
    B) Play Duffy (ARS h)

    1. nedsmula
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B. - I'd consider A if it was Free, but wouldn't take -4 for it.
      There's a Leeds press event in a couple of minutes I believe. Wait for that and see what's said.

  18. nedsmula
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Jots to Sarr or Gray?
    I'm thinkgin Gray, as Sarr has a horrible run of fixtures after the Leeds game. Need to release finds from Jota to strengthen defence.

    TIA

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tough one. Sarr looking great atm even with fixtures (apart from Liverpool not that bad though), but Gray ticking along. Nice choice to have really. I'm going to get both, but have prioritised Sarr.

    2. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on above?

  19. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I wouldn’t be shocked if omobamidele starts and do a pukki party

  20. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    So, i think i wouldn’t take any hit this week though i have trent, bamford jota and 1 ft.
    Many will take hits, so that will be an advantage in OR.
    Say if i play allan instead of trent and he scores 2 as usual. Am i sure the player i want to bring for trent will give me 6? Even i he gives me 6 that will be considered as 2 which is equal to allan. Waste of a transfer unless i keep him for 6-7 week to mitigate that -4 points or WC next week

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Exactly.

      Now get your popcorn and see if our man Andy catches onto this before the deadline.

  21. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What move should I make?

    A) Traore to Saka (but struggle to get Raphinha in)

    A) Traore to ESR and can easily get Raphinha next week too

  22. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Whys Aylings flag gone red? any updates?

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

      Yup. See the tweet box

  23. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    Rudiger White Livramento
    Salah Greenwood Jota Sarr
    Ronaldo Jimenez Antonio

    Steele Williams TAA Mendy

    Already used FT on Shaw > Rudiger

    Worth a -4 ?
    Jota > Raphinha

    Cheers.

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

    I think I’ll have to pull the trigger on the WC if Antonio picks up an injury

  25. Clay Davis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else find all these 'We' titles highly offensive...

    "Should WE buy Arsenal players in FPL and who are the best picks?"

    "Should WE switch Ronaldo to Lukaku"

    FPL is a competitive game. Personally I don't understand everybody helping each other to improve their teams. I genuinely hope everyone fails miserably lol. So this sense of us all being in it together doesn't sit right with me.

    Lateriser said something in the last episode of the wire along the lines of the game has become very competitive and difficult lately - it's because all the managers that literally don't have a clue what they are doing are spoon fed by his and others podcasts!

  26. Swin1990
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Current team Sanchez
    Marcel Tierney Siass
    Gray Jota Sarr Salah
    Bamford lukaku Antonio

    Subs Foster TAA Williams Bissouma

    Need to swap bamford out, i like Jimenez but concerned re too many wolves players…thoughts? Better to go with Toney? West Ham started in Europe and Chelsea not pulling up any trees in last few games? Thanks