Double Gameweek Dilemma: Arsenal's Double Header Demands Attention
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, it's that time again—a double gameweek is upon us, and with it comes a flurry of strategic decisions. But here's the twist: while Arsenal's double fixture is a no-brainer, selecting the right players from their squad is where it gets tricky.
Gabriel: The Captaincy Conundrum
Let's start with the obvious: Gabriel is the standout captaincy choice. With Arsenal playing twice, his potential for points is doubled, and his consistent performance this season—averaging 7.1 points per match—makes him a reliable pick. But here's where it gets controversial: while Gabriel is a safe bet, is he the only Arsenal player worth considering? The answer is no, but the options are limited.
Arsenal's FPL Assets: A Narrow Field
Despite Arsenal's strong real-life squad, their FPL offerings are surprisingly slim, especially with Bukayo Saka's fitness in question. And this is the part most people miss: beyond Gabriel, you're looking at David Raya, Jurrien Timber, or William Saliba for defensive options. Declan Rice is the go-to midfielder, thanks to his high scoring and defensive contributions. But what about the rest? Players like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres could be risky yet rewarding picks if you're chasing points and willing to take a punt.
Team of the Week: Balancing Risk and Reward
This week's team is built on a £100m budget, as if using a Free Hit, and it’s all about maximizing double gameweek potential. Here’s the kicker: last week’s team, led by Captain Bruno Fernandes (20 points), delivered a solid 67-point haul, thanks to a triple Arsenal clean sheet and Joao Pedro’s 8 points. Can this week’s lineup match that?
Goalkeepers and Defenders: Defensive Triples and Palace’s Promise
- David Raya (£5.9m): Facing Brentford and Wolves, Raya is a solid pick, especially with Arsenal’s defensive form.
- Gabriel (Captain) (£7.1m): A no-brainer for captaincy, with clean sheet potential in both fixtures.
- Jurrien Timber (£6.4m): Another Arsenal defender worth considering for the double gameweek.
But wait, there’s more: Crystal Palace’s defense against Burnley is too good to ignore. Daniel Munoz (£5.8m) and Chris Richards (£4.4m) offer value, with Richards consistently close to bonus points. Munoz, while not statistically standout, is a constant attacking threat—essentially a right-winger in disguise.
Midfielders: Fernandes, Sarr, and Palmer’s Redemption
- Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m): With 42 points in five games since his return, Fernandes is indispensable.
- Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m): Before his injury, Sarr was a top-value midfielder. His expected goals per 90 minutes (0.43) are unmatched, and he’s on penalties with favorable fixtures ahead.
- Cole Palmer (£10.5m): Palmer’s hat-trick at Wolves reminded everyone of his potential. Despite injury concerns, Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures make him a tempting pick. But is he worth the risk?
Strikers: Haaland’s Return and Chelsea’s Brazilian Star
- Erling Haaland (£14.9m): After a disappointing outing against Liverpool, Haaland is back in form. A home game against Fulham could see him haul big points—if only Arsenal weren’t doubling.
- Joao Pedro (£7.6m): With 38 points in his last four matches, Pedro is on fire. Game time isn’t a concern, and he’s a strong pick against Leeds.
- Matheus Cunha (£4.6m): As a budget enabler, Cunha offers value with four returns in eight games. His set-piece involvement makes him a decent pick, even with a tough fixture against Arsenal.
Subs Bench: Budget-Friendly Options
- Martin Dubravka (£4m): A cheap goalkeeper option against Crystal Palace.
- James Hill (£3.9m): A budget defender facing Everton.
- Pape Matar Sarr (£4.5m): A midfielder with potential against Newcastle.
- Josh King (£4.4m): A low-cost midfielder facing Manchester City.
Final Thoughts: Strategy Over Sentiment
This double gameweek demands a strategic approach. While Arsenal’s double header is the focal point, balancing risk with reward is key. But here’s the question: Are you willing to take a chance on less obvious picks like Zubimendi or Gyokeres, or will you stick to the safer options? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies for this crucial gameweek!
