The Scout's panel of Fantasy Premier League experts share their thoughts on what to do with Arsenal defenders, after failing to keep a clean sheet against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Luton Town, with rotation setting in and ahead of a trickier run of fixtures.
What the FPL experts say
Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12)
Arsenal have tricky fixtures over the next three Gameweeks, but they have a kind schedule thereafter. I have no qualms holding them for the long term, but I am tempted by the higher upside of Pedro Porro (£5.3m).
Verdict: Possible short-term sell, hold long term
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
I only own Gabriel (£4.9m) and that's OK for now - I'm not looking to double up. Their performances throughout the season mean Arsenal defenders have some credit in the bank with us FPL managers, so I won't be too hasty to move them on.
Verdict: Hold, but don't double up
Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg)
I own William Saliba (£5.5m) and will probably hold due to not being excited about any other defenders and Arsenal having good fixtures from Gameweek 19.
Verdict: Hold
Andy Park (@FPL_Sonaldo)
I'm perfectly happy to hold Gabriel and Saliba from one of the best defensive teams in the league that have solid fixtures for the foreseeable future.
My only temptation would be to downgrade one defender spot in order to fund a second Arsenal attacker alongside Bukayo Saka (£8.9m), when the time comes.
Verdict: Hold, and keep double up in short term
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice)
We probably expected at least one clean sheet from our Arsenal defenders in the last couple of games, so it is disappointing to see them concede three goals to Luton and one against Wolves. Nevertheless, they're a top three defence in the league - the data shows us this - so holding one of their defenders through the tougher fixtures is fine.
I plan on keeping Gabriel, but if I was doubled up, I would be looking to offload one of them, especially considering the upside for attacking returns feels fairly low with Arsenal defenders.
Verdict: Hold, but don't double up
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
I'm planning to keep Saliba for now, but he could easily become Porro after Gameweek 16.
If managers own two Arsenal defenders, now is probably a good time to move one of them on to target teams like Chelsea, who have a good run of fixtures.
Verdict: Hold, but don't double up
Also in this series
Part 1: Should managers double up on the Arsenal attack in Fantasy?
Part 2: The Scout’s FPL Gameweek 16 Ones to watch
Part 3: Scout Selection: Best FPL team for Gameweek 16
Part 5: Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 16?
