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David Raya injury: Three potential FPL replacements for Arsenal goalkeeper after Mikel Arteta releases update

David Raya injury: Three potential FPL replacements for Arsenal goalkeeper after Mikel Arteta releases update

Vaseline 1 month ago

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League match against Leicester City, a situation that will leave many Fantasy Premier League players with a decision to make.

Raya’s muscle problem could be holding back great form. The Arsenal stopper has kept three clean sheets in five games this season and is the highest scoring goalkeeper in the match, not to mention being one of the cheapest routes into Arteta’s world-class defence.

He is owned by 31.8 percent of players, almost double the next stopper in West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski, whose price of 4.0 million has led to 16 percent of players adding him to their squad.

At 5.6 meters tall, Raya isn’t a cheap option between the sticks, so here are three replacements that could make an immediate impact for those looking to decide on an immediate change.

Arteta said: “We have to wait another 24 hours. We have to wait 24 hours to see if it looks good or not so good. It’s about whether a player is fit and available or not. Once we have that clarity for Leicester, we will make that decision tomorrow.”

Neto, Arsenal (4.3m)

Many managers’ first thought will be to simply replace Raya with his true backup. Neto is an experienced Premier League goalkeeper and Arsenal’s back four will provide plenty of protection, just as they do for his stricken colleague. At 4.3m it would be an incredible investment to get a few games out of Neto as starting goalkeepers cost more on much worse teams.

However, there is definitely a downside here. Neto is probably a short-term option. Arsenal have just two Premier League games left before the October international break. Arteta has not suggested Raya’s absence will last long, so it seems likely he will be back by the end of this lull, if not sooner.

Of course, this year’s FPL system allows players to stack up to five transfers, instead of the traditional two. Neto is likely a two-move move, one to get him in and one to get him out quickly. If that’s possible without taking a hit or affecting more important moves, he’s undoubtedly a top player.

Robert Sánchez, Chelsea (4.7m)

Sánchez continues to challenge his doubters with impressive performances in the Chelsea net. He has amassed an impressive 25 points in two games, with two clean sheets and a penalty save in that time. It’s a far cry from the man who conceded five in the Blues’ first three games, as Enzo Maresca gets to grips with his side in a noticeable improvement in form.

At the time of writing, Sánchez has already been transferred by more than 265,000 managers this matchweek, second only to Raya, whose news will upset more than 373,000 people who moved quickly to secure his services. Both are up 0.1 this week, but Sánchez was massively underpriced at the start of the season so he’s still worth jumping on.

Chelsea will take on Brighton and Nottingham Forest at home before the international break, with a tough run of games to follow after the players return. Sanchez could be an excellent two-week point before Raya is fit again.

Mark Fleken, Brentford (4.5m)

A longer term choice for those looking to fill Raya’s spot with zero nonsense. Flecking is a safe bet; a guaranteed starter who makes saves and gets the occasional clean sheet in a team that can beat anyone on their day. Last season he even provided an assist for those lucky enough to have him at the right time.

There is always value in players that you can basically set and forget at a cheap price. Brentford have an excellent run of fixtures until December 29 when a four-match spell against Arsenal, Southampton, Manchester City and Liverpool begins.

Even then, Fleks would have to rack up points through saves. He likes a three or four-pointer, even if Brentford concedes, and should be a key consideration for players who prefer to spend their money on goalkeepers who represent the elite.