Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Fantasy Premier League Picks – Gameweek 8
The international break is over and players have either returned to their respective Barclays Premier League clubs, or are in the process of doing so, which can only mean one thing; it is time to jump back into our Fantasy Premier League suits.
This weekend will see two managers who are under immense pressure to get a result, take each other on in what is promising to be an entertaining fixture.
Goal Keeper
Sunderland have not been able to keep only one clean sheet in their previous eight Premier League matches, so picking a keeper from them can be compared to managerial suicide.
On the other hand Arsenal have kept more clean sheets, but their defensive form has been as inconsistent as pulpy orange juice. While it may not be the best analogy, Arsenal’s goal keeper, Wojciech Szczesny, is a doubt for the weekend, with the side not
having declared whether he is fit to play or not.
In either case, both Goal Keepers should be avoided, as other matches provide better opportunities for picking up points from this department.
Defenders
Again, our fancy for wingbacks means that we are going to suggest Kieran Gibbs if managers are looking for a defender from this match.
Bacary Sagna is out for the long run after picking up a nasty injury in his side’s previous match and none of the other players in Arsenal’s defense seem likely to be earning any extra points on their own.
As for Sunderland, it is pretty much the same case, with no one standing out and looking like they will be able to do anything special against the Gunners.
Midfielders
This is one area where players for both teams can earn their Fantasy Premier League selves some points. Sebastian Larsson, is a former Gunner and former players have a tendency to score against their old clubs. Couple that will the player’s skill at set-pieces
and he does look an interesting prospect for managers.
On the other hand Arsenal are more of a mixed bag, with every player performing on such an inconsistent basis, that one might as well flip coins to see who they should pick.
However, Aaron Ramsey seems to have the hunger and the desire to take that extra step for the team as he looks to capitalize on Jack Wilshire’s injury.
Strikers
When it comes to strikers, the options are better and the choice is more clear cut. Arsenal Skipper Robin Van Persie will most likely already be in a majority of sides, with the Dutch striker the only bright light in an otherwise dull Arsenal side.
Gervinho as looks as if he is settling into life at his new club and is showing glimpse of why Arsene Wenger signed him in the transfer window.
It would have been nice to have the option to pick former Arsenal striker, Nicklas Bendtner, but one of the terms in his loan deal was that he cannot play against his employers, which happens to be the Gunners.
Our Picks: Again, looking at both side’s inconsistent form only one player stands out and looks likely to do some damage and that player is Robin Van Persie, the Arsenal captain.
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the editorial policy of Bettor.com
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