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The Best Arsenal Picks for BGW18 : [Thread]
In my third instalment of team previews prior to BGW18 I will look at the respective merits of Arsenal's fantasy options ahead of their tie with Crystal Palace.
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(Data taken from @FFH_HQ with consent)
In my third instalment of team previews prior to BGW18 I will look at the respective merits of Arsenal's fantasy options ahead of their tie with Crystal Palace.
#FPL #FPLCommunity
(Data taken from @FFH_HQ with consent)
Season so far:
Buoyed by the appointment of Mikel Arteta in December 2019, having lifted the FA Cup in his first season in charge, Arsenal fans could be forgiven for approaching the new season with renewed hope.
Buoyed by the appointment of Mikel Arteta in December 2019, having lifted the FA Cup in his first season in charge, Arsenal fans could be forgiven for approaching the new season with renewed hope.
Whilst we tentatively began planning for BGW18 some weeks back it's fair to say that Arsenal did not have any semblance of form. The data from GW1-14 painted a bleak picture of Arsenal’s goal threat with them ranking fifth worst for shots on target & fourth worst for goals.
A recent injection of creativity and youthful exuberance, in the form of precocious duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, has seen Arsenal win their last three league games on bounce.
Tales of the tape:
Arsenal’s resurgence in the last three games has seen the Gunner’s rank first amongst all teams for shots, shots on target, shots in the box, most goals, and most importantly cumulative FPL points scored.
Arsenal’s resurgence in the last three games has seen the Gunner’s rank first amongst all teams for shots, shots on target, shots in the box, most goals, and most importantly cumulative FPL points scored.
During the same period Crystal Palace rank third worst for shots conceded and shots conceded in the box. Furthermore, “The Eagles” rank joint second worst for big chances conceded (10) and alarmingly have not kept an away clean sheet this season.
On the defensive front Arsenal have kept two clean sheets in their last three matches. Whilst over the same period Crystal Palace rank worst in the division for big chances created with zero.
Kieran Tierney:
The no frills Scotsman might carry his match kit in a Tesco bag but his potential for FPL returns is teetering on premium levels. Over the last three games Tierney is the joint top scorer (28pts) in FPL with Bruno Fernandes.
The no frills Scotsman might carry his match kit in a Tesco bag but his potential for FPL returns is teetering on premium levels. Over the last three games Tierney is the joint top scorer (28pts) in FPL with Bruno Fernandes.
In addition to two clean sheets in three the former Celtic star has demonstrated his fundamental importance to Arsenal’s attack by notching a goal and providing two assists. The Scot sits joint second amongst defenders for key passes (7) in the last three games.
Bukayo Saka:
Bukayo Saka has notched two goals and laid on two assists in his last three games amassing an impressive 27 FPL points. In terms of underlying numbers in the last three game the Hale End academy product has tied 3rd for shots in the box (7) amongst all players.
Bukayo Saka has notched two goals and laid on two assists in his last three games amassing an impressive 27 FPL points. In terms of underlying numbers in the last three game the Hale End academy product has tied 3rd for shots in the box (7) amongst all players.
Since his breakout term last season Bukayo Sako has highlighted his threat and creativity by recording seven goals and fifteen assists in all competitions. Given his budget friendly price tag (£5.3m) Saka facilitates the inclusion of a maximum number of big hitters.
Emile Smith Rowe:
The former RB Leipzig & Huddersfield Town loanee is in the midst of his breakout moment. The "Croydon De Bruyne" has provided an assist in each of Arsenal's last three league games and a goal against Newcastle in this weekend’s FA Cup tie.
The former RB Leipzig & Huddersfield Town loanee is in the midst of his breakout moment. The "Croydon De Bruyne" has provided an assist in each of Arsenal's last three league games and a goal against Newcastle in this weekend’s FA Cup tie.
Sitting in just less than 2% of overall teams Smith Rowe (£4.4m) could represent a starting enabler for those on a free hit or bench fodder with the upside of possible returns.
Auba or Laca?
Undoubtedly Arsenal's talisman over the last two seasons Aubameyang’s point scoring potential was boosted further following his reclassification as a midfielder. However, the Gabon international has just three league goals to his name at almost the half way point.
Undoubtedly Arsenal's talisman over the last two seasons Aubameyang’s point scoring potential was boosted further following his reclassification as a midfielder. However, the Gabon international has just three league goals to his name at almost the half way point.
In comparison, Alexandre Lacazette has struck a timely rich vein of form of late. In the last three league games “Laca” has returned four goals with the underlying numbers confirming that his performance has been no flash in the pan.
Over the last three games Lacazette ranks first amongst all players for shots on target (7), big chances received (5) and xG (2.91). Notably the Frenchman was rested for the FA Cup tie with Newcastle thus should be both set & fresh to lead the line against Crystal Palace.
Conclusion:
The current state of play in the Premier League at present mirrors the Covid society we live in – confusing, uncertain, and subject to constant change. The removal & addition of fixtures on the eve of the deadline is something I have never witnessed before as in FPL.
The current state of play in the Premier League at present mirrors the Covid society we live in – confusing, uncertain, and subject to constant change. The removal & addition of fixtures on the eve of the deadline is something I have never witnessed before as in FPL.
This presents a unique challenge for us as manager’s at a time when overall game strategy and chip usage is at the forefronts of our minds. It is worth remembering that the world is lucky to have the distraction & escapism that both Premier League football & FPL provide.
From the Arsenal options available, for me, Kieran Tierney is lock with the promise of returns at both ends of the field. Bukayo Saka’s run of recent form and budget friendly price tag has propelled him forward as a front runner for 5th midfielder in my Power Five.
At the time of going to print I have yet to decide on either “Auba” or “Laca”. Given the budget required to have both Kane & Son for the plum home game vs Fulham it is increasingly unlikely that I will fit “Auba” into my midfield & squad.
Lacazette is a front runner to make the cut for my FH18 however sacrifices will have to be made elsewhere and other options forgone to make the budget work.
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Peace.
(Data taken from @FFH_HQ thanks @Fergi222)
#FPL #FPLCommunity #FantasyPL
If you aren’t a follower of mine click “follow” and keep an eye for more articles in the near future.
Peace.
(Data taken from @FFH_HQ thanks @Fergi222)
#FPL #FPLCommunity #FantasyPL
