To conclude the Double Gameweek 26 Scout Notes, let’s turn our eyes to an important evening in Molineux.
Some talking points emerged after another disappointing performance at Arsenal, as the 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers left many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers in the lurch.
SAKA AGAIN AS ‘NUMBER 10’
One talking point emerged from Wednesday night’s team sheets: Mikel Arteta’s decision to redeploy Bukayo Saka (£9.8m) in the role of ‘number 10’.
There was You Maduk (£6.8m) on the right flank, with Gabriel Martinelli (£6.8m) on the left, meaning Saka could roam through the central attacking spaces behind him Viktor Gyokeres (£8.8 million).
It was the second time we’ve seen him here in a week, after an unexpected half there against Wigan in the FA Cup.
Quotes from Arteta at the time suggested we could see the same thing again in the future, and the Arsenal boss promptly made good on that promise. The relatively in-form Madueke – three goals and an assist in his last six appearances in all competitions – finally offers a decent back-up option on the right.
The result was that Saka could run and nod with good timing Declan Rice‘s (£7.6m) went into the net, breaking the deadlock after just five minutes. Meanwhile, his personal drought of fifteen games is now over.
It was Saka’s only shot of the evening, compared to three for Madueke and two for Martinelli. Both probably should have done better with the effort they were given.
Still, Saka was a constant threat and also created a chance before some tireless back-tracking saw him end the match with defensive contribution points (DefCon) and a maximum bonus.
However, Martin Odegaard (£7.8m) and Kai Havertz (£7.3m) could both return for Sunday’s North London Derby, which could influence whether or not this experiment continues.
….BUT IS HE GOOD?
It is also notable that Saka withdrew in the 73rd minute as he appeared to be limping with a possible knee problem. Frustratingly, no concrete update was given by Arteta after the match.
However, it has since been reported that Saka – who was deemed able to fulfill media duties despite treatment – it is assumed to be good.
If that is indeed the case, Arteta will certainly deploy his star striker against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, either out wide or as a number 10 if Odegaard and/or Havertz are not declared fit to start.
And what about Trossard?
When Saka gave way, Leandro Trossard (£6.8 million) replaced him. But the Belgian was forced to withdraw in added time due to concussion after colliding Santiago Bueno‘s (£4.4m) shoulder.
There was no immediate update on the severity of this, which also required on-pitch treatment by Arsenal’s medical staff. So until we hear otherwise, he should be considered a doubt for Gameweek 27.
HINCAPIE FROM THE MARK
Continuing the streak of bad luck, Riccardo Calafiori (£5.6 million) was then deployed for Trossard.
The Italian has been struggling with nagging injuries of late, including being forced to withdraw from Saturday’s FA Cup line-up at the last minute, and Wednesday was a night to forget as one of his only actions during the cameo was to fend off the teenage Wolves debutant. Tom Edozie‘s (£4.3m) late equalizer hit the post, which hit him again and went into the net.
Because Calafiori is apparently still not completely fit, Piero Hincapie (£5.1m) could start again at left-back against Spurs. He has just scored his first Arsenal goal.
Strolling home past the crowds Jose Sa (£4.2 million), after a sweet through ball from Gabriel Magalhaes (£7.1m) – giving Triple Captain supporters a paltry return – this is Hincapie’s second attacking return in as many games.
The Ecuadorian also created three match-high chances, providing the kind of attacking potential that the more popular and tired-looking ones Jurriën Hout (£6.4 million) recently failed to do so.
RICE IS GONE FORM
The final word on Arsenal, who are now just five points ahead of Manchester City after playing an extra game, is positive.
Armed with an assist, Rice reached the DefCon threshold for the third time in a row and added two bonus points to his from last week’s draw against Brentford.
That took the all-rounder to a very respectable 14 points in Double Gameweek 26, more than the seven of disappointing Triple Captain favorite and so far Mr Consistent Gabriel. During the season he now has 95 points from 14 away games, the most of anyone.
In addition, two of Arsenal’s next three are absent as Sunday’s visit to Spurs and Gameweek 29’s visits to Brighton and Hove Albion surround their hosts of Chelsea. That’s why Rice could be worth keeping, despite his Blank Gameweek 31.
NO HELP FOR MANE
Wolves deserve a lot of credit because they are determined not to go down without a fight. They have still won just one Premier League match but have four draws in seven games.
But now that this double is over and a Blank Gameweek is on the way, managers are unlikely to want any of their assets. In addition to the budget-friendly enabler, Matthew Manen (£4.6 million).
He hasn’t left the Wolves line-up since breaking into the XI in Gameweek 18. Some might say he was a bit unlucky not to break his recent string of blanks.
Mane delivered the stoppage-time cross into the Arsenal penalty area before Gabriel got in the way David Raya‘s (£6.0m) attempts to claim, putting the ball in Edozie’s court.
Due to the two defensive ball movements of Raya and Calafiori, Mane did not receive an assist.
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