The Scout assesses the sides with the most favourable opening schedules in 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League.
Arsenal
A kind early run of opponents raises the appeal of investing in Arsenal players at both ends of the pitch.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), four of their first six matches score only two.
Arsenal’s first six matches
| GW | Opp | FDR | GW | Opp | FDR |
| 1 | NFO (H) | 2 | 4 | MUN (H) | 3 |
| 2 | CRY (A) | 2 | 5 | EVE (A) | 2 |
| 3 | FUL (H) | 2 | 6 | TOT (H) | 3 |
Furthermore, Arsenal are one of only six sides to have four home fixtures in the first six Gameweeks.
Although Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among those early visitors, Mikel Arteta’s side were successful in both the corresponding matches last season, scoring three goals on each occasion.
Gabriel
Three goals and 14 clean sheets helped the centre-back finish fourth among defenders in 2022/23 on 146 points.
Although he was outscored by the 156 points of Arsenal right-back Ben White, Gabriel boasted a far greater goal threat than any defensive team-mate.
Indeed, his 26 shots in the box were more than the combined 19 of the rest of Arteta’s first-choice back-four.
That total ranked fifth among all defenders in Fantasy, while his 19 headed shots placed fourth.
Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian was Arsenal’s top-scoring player in Fantasy last season, scoring 15 goals and producing eight assists to achieve 212 points.
Having placed second among midfielders and fourth in the overall standings, Odegaard, along with Gabriel Martinelli, looks set to be similarly priced to Bukayo Saka in 2023/24.
The Arsenal captain’s potential for huge hauls could give him the edge as their go-to midfielder early on. His nine double-figure returns were more than twice the total of any team-mate, apart from the six of Martinelli.
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian was limited to 24 starts and two outings off the bench after being injured during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Jesus was a key performer in his debut campaign for Arsenal, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further seven.
Despite his absence, the forward’s totals of 26 big chances and 32 shots on target were both more than any team-mate last season.
Furthermore, Jesus’s average of 114 minutes per goal/assist was quicker than any of Arsenal’s regular starters in midfield.
Also in this series
Part 2: Brentford
Part 3: Brighton
Part 4: Chelsea
Part 5: Liverpool
Part 6: Luton
Part 7: Man City