Carabao Cup Final Impacts Fantasy Premier League Strategy – The Athletic
The recent Carabao Cup semi-finals have substantially influenced the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) landscape for the upcoming gameweeks. Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea has set them up for a double gameweek, while also impacting strategies surrounding players from other teams.
Impacts of the Carabao Cup Results on FPL Strategies
Following the semi-finals, Arsenal and Wolves will have a double gameweek in Gameweek 26, but both will blank in Gameweek 31. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s win over Newcastle signals a likely blank week for them as well.
Investment Opportunities in Arsenal Players
Despite Bukayo Saka’s injury—priced at £9.9m—FPL managers should still consider investing in Arsenal. With a crucial Gameweek 25 fixture against Sunderland, many will aim to secure three Arsenal players before the double gameweek.
- Arsenal is a strong choice, even without Saka.
- Declan Rice (£7.5m) stands out as a replacement with consistent starting minutes.
- Rice has contributed significantly in the Premier League, boasting four goals and seven assists.
Transitioning to Rice frees up funds, allowing for continued triple coverage of Arsenal players without major squad adjustments. Additional Arsenal attackers are deemed less reliable due to their rotation risks.
Exploring Defensive Strategies
A popular tactic among managers is to shift towards a triple Arsenal defense. Trading Saka for another midfielder allows for investment in a strong defensive lineup. Arsenal’s defense has resulted in the fewest goals conceded this season, making it a solid strategy.
- Top defensive options include Gabriel (£7.0m), William Saliba (£6.0m), and Jurrien Timber (£6.3m).
- Gabriel is noted for his threat from set pieces, while Saliba offers reliability in minutes.
- Timber provides greater attacking prowess, with all three defenders demonstrating strong potential for returns.
Upcoming Fixtures and Planning for Gameweek 31
Arsenal’s first match of double gameweek 26 is set for Thursday, February 12, followed by a match against Wolves on February 18. A crucial FA Cup tie is scheduled between these matches, potentially allowing for rests among key players.
On the horizon, the blank Gameweek 31 will affect managers with City and Crystal Palace players. Careful planning is necessary to avoid accumulating too many players from these teams, as their absence would impede squad strength during that week.
Optimal Strategies Moving Forward
- Anticipate potential player sales ahead of Gameweek 31 to maintain a balanced squad.
- Consider using a Wildcard around Gameweek 32 to address double and blank gameweeks later in the season.
- Evaluate the Free Hit strategy for Blank Gameweek 34, as more teams are likely to sit that round out.
In conclusion, the Carabao Cup results have significantly shaped the FPL landscape, presenting various strategies for successful management. Emphasizing Arsenal assets while effectively planning for the blank gameweeks will be key for FPL success this season.
