How Jesus' return could impact Arsenal midfielders in FPL

The return to action of Gabriel Jesus (£7.9m) could prove significant for managers in Fantasy Premier League over the remainder of 2022/23.

Arsenal’s fit-again forward marked his first start since Gameweek 16 with two goals and 12 points in Saturday's 4-1 home win over Leeds United.

That display has made Jesus the top target for Gameweek 30, with 49,000+ managers already making the move ahead of his trip to Liverpool.

Jesus’ appeal in Fantasy is lifted further by Arsenal’s very favourable home encounter with Southampton in Blank Gameweek 32.

While many managers are moving for him now, he is also likely to be a popular pick for those who are playing their Free Hit chip in Blank Gameweek 32, when highly-owned assets from Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are without a fixture.

Key rotations

Jesus’ return has highlighted the Gunners’ strength in depth in attack.

Mikel Arteta was able to rest Bukayo Saka (£8.6m) against Leeds, benching him for the first time this season after the winger's illness, before introducing him in the second half.

Arteta could now continue to occasionally rotate over the run-in to manage the minutes of his key players, with Saka, Jesus, Leandro Trossard (£6.7m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£6.6m) contending for starts in the front three.

Arteta’s latest line-up has already made an impact on the Fantasy market, with both Martin Odegaard (£6.8m) and Saka among the five most-sold midfielders in the Gameweek.

Arsenal's short-term schedule suggests owners would be wise to hold their Gunners players, with a match against West Ham United also to come in the next three Gameweeks.

However, a visit to Man City in Gameweek 33, prior to their single fixture against Chelsea in Double Gameweek 34, is likely to prompt further sales.

Also in this series

Part 2: FPL experts: Is it time to bring in Jesus?
Part 3: Pairing Haaland with Grealish can bring huge returns in FPL