The Premier League is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with action, coinciding with the commencement of another Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek. After securing a commanding 3-0 victory against Club Brugge in Belgium which fortified Arsenal’s position at the top of the Champions League table, the Gunners are now focused on responding to their recent league defeat against Aston Villa. Arsenal will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday night.
In FPL, Gameweek 16 presents a unique opportunity for managers as they look to maximize their points haul. Despite Arsenal’s recent setback, several players delivered impressive performances, notably Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, who each scored six points. Trossard’s contribution came late in the game, showcasing his value despite being selected by only 0.8% of FPL managers. Likewise, Rice shone with his all-around performance, making a significant impact with 21 DefCons and earning two bonus points.
Although both players missed the midweek clash in Brugge, Arsenal still boasts several players with strong value for FPL participants. Piero Hincapie has emerged as an intriguing low-cost option, owned by just 0.7% of managers. Mikel Merino is also gaining traction among managers, with ownership up to 4% after an impressive stretch from Gameweeks 11 to 14, where he amassed 32 points.
The FPL community is reminded that all chips must be used by Gameweek 19, with only four opportunities remaining for managers to play them strategically. Those considering using their Free Hit this weekend can benefit from a range of Arsenal players as potential transfers.
As they approach the matchup against a struggling Wolves team, currently at the bottom of the Premier League with only two points this season, FPL managers may be overlooking players from the opposition. Marshall Munetsi, Wolves’ top performer, is injured and unavailable, reinforcing their current woes.
A significant development for this Gameweek is the enhancement of each FPL manager’s transfer limit to five, allowing for strategic adjustments as the injury list grows across the league. This change coincides with the onset of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as clubs must release players participating in the tournament by December 15.
Several key players, including Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, are set to leave, impacting many FPL lineups. Mo Salah of Liverpool is also experiencing a decline in ownership, following a drop to the bench, leading to a loss in market value.
As managers navigate these changes, several players stand out as viable replacements. Phil Foden has emerged as a hot commodity with 44 points over the last three Gameweeks. For those deploying a Free Hit, pairing Bruno Fernandes and Bruno Guimaraes could be a winning strategy amid their excellent form. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also an attractive budget option for FPL managers, while players like Harry Wilson from Fulham are well-positioned for increased playing time over the holiday fixtures.
As FPL strategies develop, it’s important for managers to keep track of player fitness, with injuries impacting selections. Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz is set for a spell on the sidelines, prompting potential roster changes as other defenders gain attention.
With one of the most crucial transfer deadlines set for this Saturday at 1:30 PM UK time, the stage is set for FPL participants to make decisive moves. As they consider whether to act on AFCON transfers immediately or reserve them for later, the excitement of the Gameweek awaits.