Is Tripling Up on Arsenal Defenders the Smart FPL Move?

As Arsenal's defence continues to impress with eight consecutive clean sheets, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are weighing the merits of investing in Gabriel Magalhaes. With Arsenal conceding just three goals in 16 matches across all competitions, Gabriel stands out as a top defender, although the decision to heavily invest in Arsenal's backline carries inherent risks. This article explores whether Gabriel is a must-have for all FPL managers.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Arsenal's impressive defensive record this season has set the stage for a potential shift in FPL strategies. With eight clean sheets in a row, they are equalling a club record not seen in over a century. This defensive solidity has raised eyebrows, prompting discussions among FPL managers about the viability of investing in Arsenal defenders, particularly Gabriel, who has been a key figure in their backline. The Gunners are also on track to challenge Chelsea's historical low goal conceded tally of 15 in the 2004-05 season. For FPL managers, the question now is whether to capitalise on this defensive strength or to approach with caution given the potential for fluctuating form.

Key takeaways

Arsenal have kept eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Gabriel Magalhaes leads the way among defenders for big chances, with three this season.
Stacking Arsenal defenders could be risky, particularly if they concede.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the current state of Arsenal's defence, it's essential to consider how they arrived at this point:

28 September 2023 - Arsenal concedes a goal against Newcastle United, marking the last time they were breached defensively.
October 2023 - Arsenal keeps clean sheets against various opponents, including notable fixtures where their defensive prowess shone.
Present Day - Arsenal's defence is being discussed as a potential record-breaking unit, with Gabriel at the forefront of these discussions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions among FPL experts highlight Gabriel's potential as a top defender, particularly in light of Arsenal's recent clean sheets. His scoring opportunities from set-pieces add to his appeal.

What was already established

Prior to the current discussions, it was already known that Arsenal had a strong defensive line, with Gabriel being a key component. His contributions in terms of goals and assists have also been noted.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For FPL managers, the focus on defensive players like Gabriel can impact overall strategies, as valuable points from clean sheets and set-piece goals become more critical. This could lead to changes in team compositions across the league.

Businesses and jobs

As Arsenal's performance potentially drives FPL engagement, related businesses, such as merchandise sales and sports analytics firms, might see increased interest and revenue.

Policy and regulation

While there are no direct policy implications related to FPL, the growing popularity of tactical discussions may lead to changes in how FPL is marketed or presented in the media.

Numbers that matter

3 - Goals conceded by Arsenal in 16 matches across all competitions.
8 - Consecutive clean sheets, equalling a club record.
6 - Big chances conceded by Arsenal, showcasing their defensive strength.
9.5 - Average points per game for Gabriel, highlighting his value in FPL.
12 - Predicted total goals conceded by Arsenal at their current rate this season.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a fantasy football game in which players create teams from Premier League players to earn points based on their real-life performance.
Clean sheet: When a team does not concede any goals during a match.
Big chances: Opportunities where a player is expected to score based on the quality of the chance.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Monitor Arsenal's upcoming fixtures closely, especially their match against Spurs in gameweek 12. This will be a crucial test of their defensive capabilities.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Evaluate the performance of Arsenal's defence as fixtures become more challenging. Consider diversifying your FPL investments if they begin to concede goals.

Signals to watch

Number of clean sheets in upcoming matches.
Performance of Gabriel and other defenders in set-piece situations.
Overall form of Arsenal as they face tougher opponents.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider investing in Gabriel if you’re looking for a solid defensive option.
Keep an eye on Arsenal's fixture difficulty and defensive form.
Take advantage of set-piece opportunities for additional points.

Don’t

Rely solely on Arsenal defenders; diversify your team to mitigate risks.
Overlook the potential for upcoming difficult fixtures affecting clean sheets.
Neglect to monitor injuries or suspensions among key players.

Checklist

Assess Gabriel's performance and minutes played in recent matches.
Evaluate upcoming fixtures for potential clean sheets.
Monitor overall team form and player injuries.
Stay updated on FPL scoring rules and potential changes.
Review your overall team balance, especially in defence.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Gabriel's current form is impressive, the volatility of football means that relying too heavily on one player's performance carries risks. A sudden dip in form, injuries, or an unexpected loss of clean sheets could severely impact FPL scores. Furthermore, stacking multiple defenders from the same team might leave managers vulnerable to significant score reductions if that team concedes.

Bottom line

Gabriel Magalhaes is certainly a strong contender for FPL managers looking to bolster their defence, particularly given Arsenal's current form. However, it's important to maintain a balanced approach in your team composition to mitigate risks associated with potential defensive lapses. Strategic planning around upcoming fixtures will be crucial for maximising points this season.

FAQs

Is Gabriel Magalhaes a good pick for FPL?

With Arsenal's strong defensive record, Gabriel Magalhaes is a solid choice for FPL managers, especially if you are looking for defenders with scoring potential from set-pieces.

How many clean sheets have Arsenal kept this season?

Arsenal have kept eight clean sheets in all competitions this season, showcasing their defensive strength.

What are the risks of investing in Arsenal defenders?

Investing heavily in Arsenal defenders carries risks, particularly if the team experiences a dip in form or concedes goals, which could impact overall FPL scores.