FPL Tips: Arsenal fixtures make Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes ‘must-haves’ for upcoming Fantasy Premier League weeks
The Premier League is firmly back into the swing of things, with Liverpool currently sitting in top spot, and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal just two points behind.
With excitement building as weeks go by, the accompanying Fantasy Premier League has been just as hectic, as many of the game’s top players have heavily underperformed.
YouTuber FPL Mate, who has just over 230,000 subscribers, is ranked around 3 million, despite a 243rd-place finish in one season.
However, with several clubs set for favourable runs in the coming weeks, Transfer News Blitz’s FPL expert Joe Matthews has looked at who the ‘must-haves’ are for your squad.
AFC ANALYSIS: Arsenal analysis: Who was Mikel Arteta’s best summer signing? Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres ranked
Gabriel Magalhaes essential
Coming in at £6.2 million is Gabriel Magalhaes, who currently has 38 points to his name this season, despite Arsenal’s notably difficult opening fixtures.
From the first six games, the Brazilian has only blanked twice against Liverpool and Manchester City, but in every other game has seen returns.
With three clean sheets and a 13-point goal-scoring haul against Newcastle United, the centre-back is beginning to establish himself as an essential player for FPL managers.
With the Gunners’ next five matches including Burnley, Sunderland and West Ham United, their defence looks set to bring in plenty of points in the coming weeks.
Despite his hefty price tag, Gabriel is guaranteed 90 minutes, with good chances of a clean sheet due to Arsenal having one of the best defences in the world.
Not to forget the Brazilian international’s potent attacking threat, proven by THAT 96th-minute winner at St James’ Park last weekend.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Arsenal news: William Saliba set to sign new contract at the Emirates Stadium
Bukayo Saka back on the cards
Having been forced off by injury during Arsenal’s 5-0 drubbing of newly promoted Leeds United in late August, Bukayo Saka returned to Arteta’s starting lineup against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup last week.
In the Premier League, the 24-year-old returned for 45 minutes against Pep Guardiola’s City, where he generated 0.25 expected goal involvements straight away.
That cameo was followed by Saka getting the nod for the trip up north to face the Magpies.
The England international lasted 69 minutes, in an obvious attempt to taper him back into action, with consideration of their upcoming Champions League fixture.
Nevertheless, we know from past seasons that Arteta will do his best to find a way to get the most minutes out of Saka, meaning, with Cole Palmer now injured, your circa £10 million midfielder spot could belong to the North London attacker.
MORE FROM JOE MATTHEWS: Chelsea analysis: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Thibaut Courtois - a look back at the Blues’ last seven goalkeepers
Eberechi Eze a cheap alternative
Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer, and the midfielder already looks to be a key component of Arteta’s side.
Priced at just £7.5 million, £2.3 million cheaper than Saka, Eze surely provides a much more affordable way into the Arsenal attack.
Played for the entirety of the Gunners’ victory over Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, the Englishman was entrusted with aiding the breakdown of the Magpies’ defence.
With Greek side Olympiacos set to visit the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League this week, we wait and see how Arteta will deploy Eze.
Regardless, FPL managers considering a move for the 27-year-old will be hoping that he is locked and loaded for West Ham on Saturday.
Ultimately, there is heaps of potential in several Arsenal assets.
With the North Londoners looking as strong as ever, and their attacking returns only set to come up, Arsenal picks should be a shoo-in for your squad.
Keep up with all the latest news, rumours and betting tips with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us across our social platforms.
