Arsenal Defense and Key Picks
For this double gameweek, three Arsenal players are an obvious choice, though the options are limited. With Bukayo Saka unlikely to play both matches, your picks should focus on Gabriel, who is essential, and another defensive option—either David Raya, Jurrien Timber, or William Saliba. Gabriel is also a strong captain choice, averaging 7.1 points per match and offering a great chance for clean sheet points against Brentford and Wolves.
Other defensive options include Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz and Chris Richards, who face struggling Burnley at home. Munoz offers attacking threat from right-back, while Richards consistently racks up clean sheet potential.
Midfielders to Consider
Declan Rice is likely the most popular pick, combining defensive returns with attacking points. Other standout midfield options for this week include Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m), who has scored 42 points in five matches since returning from injury, and Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m), who boasts the best expected goals per 90 minutes among midfielders and faces favorable fixtures against Burnley, Wolves, and Leeds.
Cole Palmer (£10.5m) is a tempting option after a hat-trick against Wolves, showing his potential for big returns despite previous form and injury concerns. Chelsea’s schedule gives him a prime opportunity to rack up points before their next league game.
Strikers and Budget Enablers
Up front, Erling Haaland (£14.9m) is the standout pick for Manchester City, especially at home against Fulham, with double-digit haul potential. Joao Pedro (£7.6m) is on fire for Chelsea with 38 points in his past four matches and should play against Leeds following a big break in fixtures.
For budget flexibility, Matheus Mane (£4.6m) of Wolves provides attacking returns and set-piece involvement, making him a useful enabler. With Wolves facing Nottingham Forest and then Arsenal, Mane offers a low-cost option that could deliver bonus points if he gets on the scoresheet.
