For Fantasy WSL managers holding high-cost Arsenal assets, patience has officially run out. Once considered auto-include, non-negotiable staples of any competitive fantasy draft, the Gunners have turned into a budget drainer. Heading into Gameweek 7, fantasy managers face a classic crossroads: do you hold faith through one final high-stakes derby fixture, or reallocate your funds for high-return point scorers?
The Numbers Behind Arsenal’s Slump
Arsenal's 1–1 draw against newly promoted Birmingham City in Gameweek 6 wasn't just a bump in the road. This fixture confirmed that this season’s Arsenal are simply not the same as the Arsenal we knew and loved. Océane Hurtré put the visitors ahead early in the second half, leaving PFA Young Player of the Season Olivia Smith to rescue a single point.
Looking closely at the underlying numbers through the first six gameweeks:
• Arsenal currently sit 8th in the WSL standings with a record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses (6 points, -2 GD).
• Despite individual success and ample goalscoring over international break, the Gunners have scored just 5 goals across 6 league matches, the lowest number in the league behind Charlton with 3. To put that in perspective, league leaders and reigning champions Manchester City have netted 19 goals, and London rivals Chelsea and London City Lionesses have notched 18 and 17 respectively.
• Premium assets like Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius eat up funds and prime forward slots without delivering double-digit fantasy point hauls. Alessia holds an average point total of 3.7 and Blackstenius 1.5 which, when compared to the likes of Bunny Shaw on 9.3 and Isobel Goodwin on 7, exposes the goal drought Arsenal find themselves in. Arsenal’s central attacking output has struggled to find a steady rhythm this season, particularly with newcomer Selina Cerci and powerhouse Mariona Caldentey now both out injured.
The Gameweek 7 Trap: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
Next up for Arsenal is the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. On paper, Tottenham’s backline represents the ultimate differential target:
• Spurs have conceded 14 goals in 6 games, including a 6–2 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea last weekend and a 6–1 loss to London City Lionesses in Gameweek 5.
• Their defensive structure has looked repeatedly vulnerable to high presses and direct diagonal runs.
• On the other hand, their attack looks incredibly strong, with 18 goals scored in the first 6 games. In particular, ex-Arsenal player Victoria Pelova, who has found her feet with ease at her new club across North London and netted 5 goals and assisted 2 more for the Lilywhites.
This setup creates a classic fantasy trap. History dictates that derbies breed goals, and Tottenham’s defensive stats suggest Arsenal's front line should break their drought. However, backing underperforming assets based solely on a derby narrative could limit fantasy managers and mean missing out on reliable point scorers.
Player-by-Player Strategy Breakdown
🔴 SELL: Alessia Russo & Stina Blackstenius
Russo and Blackstenius are being heavily rotated, often eating into each other's minutes, touches, and opportunities. At their high price brackets, holding assets who average fewer than 3 or 4 fantasy points per match prevents you from fielding dominant, high-yield options like Khadija Shaw or Lauren James. Pivot those premium forward funds directly into active goal-scoring form options or top-tier mid-priced midfielders.
🟡 HOLD: Olivia Smith & Lisa Baum
The Canadian and German internationals have been two of the few consistent bright spots in Arsenal's frontline. Having scored the equaliser against Birmingham City and the winner against Brighton respectively, their direct dribbling and willingness to shoot from distance give them high goal-involvement metrics relative to their price tag. If you already own Smith or Baum, keep them in your starting XI for the Tottenham fixture as an attacking differential, or play them off the bench in case of underperformers elsewhere in your squad.
⚖️ Risk Worth Taking? Géraldine Reuteler, Georgia Stanway & Kyra Cooney-Cross
If you are looking for high-upside alternatives or differentials, consider taking a punt on Géraldine Reuteler. She may secure significantly more chances to perform now with Mariona and Selina sidelined, alongside Russo and Blackstenius struggling for form. Reuteler has impressed in the limited minutes she has seen this season, and her ability to play comfortably across multiple positions gives her a real tactical advantage.
Alternatively, look toward Georgia Stanway, the Fantasy Scout's #1 choice of Arsenal player for the coming weeks. She is Slegers’ top midfield choice for the starting XI, carrying penalty-taking potential with Mariona out and boasts one of Arsenal's highest attacking point averages thus far at 4.3. Another elite option is Kyra Cooney-Cross, recognised as one of the most consistent players and the Fantasy Scout's Player of the Season so far for Arsenal with a strong 4.5 point average.
🟢 TARGET: High-Form Midfielders & Full-Backs
If you decide to trim your Arsenal budget, reallocate those funds into the league's leading structural picks:
• Midfield Stacking: Move underperforming Gunner attackers out to fund elite midfield options like Victoria Pelova or Delphine Cascarino.
• Attacking Defenders: Reinvest into attacking full backs such as Ellie Carpenter or Niamh Charles who generate fantasy points through goal contributions even when clean sheets are scarce.
So, will you give Olivia Smith and your Arsenal assets one final chance in the North London Derby, or are you pulling the trigger and transferring them out for Chelsea and Manchester City options?
