Arsenal Stars Set to Return to Action – But Who Starts?

Jolly boy

Samir Nasri, who played all 90 minutes and picked up a Fantasy Premier League bonus point in Arsenal’s opening day draw at Liverpool, should be back for the match against Bolton next weekend.

Nasri has recovered from his knee injury earlier than expected and will fight for a spot in midfield alongside the likes of Fabregas, Diaby, and Walcott.

Sure, Theo Walcott is in form and the talk of the media as England prepare to begin their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in a few short hours against Bulgaria, but if Walcott doesn’t keep up his domestic form, Nasri is just one more player who could cut into Theo’s playing time.

Walcott (7.3M) is now more expensive than Nasri (7.2M) in the Fantasy Premier League but similar minutes played and fantasy returns should be expected over the long term this season. Over the short term – it’s a no brainer that Walcott, playing with confidence, could pick up another goal or two in his next few fixtures. Historically the young British sprinter has been notoriously inconsistent and until he proves that he is a firm fixture in the Arsenal starting 11 (avoiding rotation) and that he plays 60 + minutes producing returns, his fantasy price-tag is a bit high…

For just 1M more you can pick up the likes of Mikel Arteta (8.4M) or Ashley Young (8.4M) who hog set pieces on their respective Top 8 clubs, are adored by the mysterious FPL bonus point committee, have performed consistently at this level for years, and have no chance of rotation. That’s safe.

Walcott is sexy, but not safe, and Nasri’s return to fitness throws another log on the inconsistent Walcott fire.

In other news, Van Persie’s ankle injury was estimated by Wenger to keep the Dutchman out for only 10 days  - 2 weeks. If that’s the case, he will also be in contention for the Bolton game. If RVP misses out, his backup Chamakh (8.2M) will surely get the start while Fabregas (11.9M) will take over penalty kick duties and free kicks from RVP.

Arsenal have scored 9 goals and Chamakh has scored only once so far this season. With players like Gyan (7.5M), Bent (8.5M and on penalties), and Berbatov (8.6M) better long term options in his price range, as well as the availability of cheaper 90 minute men Carroll (5.4M), Zamora (6.5M) and Davies (6.4M and on penalties) across the league, Chamakh is a pretty poor fantasy buy at this point with RVP’s return to fitness.

If RVP is out for longer than 1-2 weeks, then Chamakh is a good selection. As RVP’s backup (he only played 56 minutes against Blackburn), Chamakh (let’s continue calling him Niko Bendtner-Lite to rub it in) is a waste of cash.

In other Arsenal injury news, Niko Bendtner’s groin is improving and that’s just 1 more striker available for Wenger.

Tough to predict which attacking midfielders and forwards will get 30 + starts this season due to rotation, injury, etc. and this is why Arsenal are so tough to invest in.

We haven’t even mentioned the likes of Diaby (7.5M) and Arshavin (9.5M) who have already outscored the likes of Chamakh, Van Persie, and Fabregas this season. Or Wilshere, Eboue, Rosicky, Song, Vela, and Denilson who will also be pushing for playing time.

Difficult times ahead for fantasy managers looking to invest in Arsenal’s front line. At the end of the day, the move may be to “suck it up,” invest the 11.9M in Cesc Fabregas, and just slap the armband on the Spanish midfield maestro.

Related posts:

1. Liverpool – Arsenal Live Commentary: 2nd Half Analysis
2. Liverpool – Arsenal Live Commentary: First Half Analysis
3. Good Morning, Arsenal: Van Persie Wonderstrike from the Archives
4. Fantasy Premier League Mid-Week Musings
5. Cesc Fabregas, Mullet, Set for Return