Captain Gabriel as Arsenal Double Up: The Definitive FPL Gameweek 37 Guide

The Premier League season reaches its crescendo, and for Fantasy Premier League managers, the final Double Gameweeks are the ultimate points bonanza. All eyes are on North London as Arsenal, locked in a titanic title race, play twice in FPL Gameweek 37. While the temptation is to triple up on their assets immediately, a deeper look reveals a surprising conundrum. The Gunners’ formidable real-world strength doesn’t directly translate to a plethora of reliable FPL options this week, making your selections a critical, season-defining puzzle. Navigating this double requires not just enthusiasm, but surgical precision.

The Arsenal Triple-Up Dilemma: A Shallow Pool of Certainty

On the surface, a double gameweek for a team of Arsenal’s caliber is an FPL goldmine. However, several factors create a unique selection headache. The primary concern is Bukayo Saka’s fitness. The talismanic midfielder is a doubt for at least one of the two fixtures, rendering him a monumental risk. This removes the most explosive attacking asset from consideration for many. Furthermore, Mikel Arteta’s propensity for rotation, especially with the title on the line and key players carrying knocks, casts a shadow over several other attacking positions. This leaves managers scrambling for the guaranteed starters—the bedrock of Arteta’s system who are virtually immune to rotation. The pool of such players is smaller than you might think.

The Essential Picks: The Untouchable Core

When filtering for guaranteed minutes and high point potential, two names rise unequivocally to the top. Building your Arsenal triple-up starts here.

Gabriel Magalhães is not just an option; he is the essential cornerstone of this double gameweek. The Brazilian centre-back is a phenomenon in FPL terms. He is a constant goal threat from set-pieces, with 4 goals and 31 shots in the box this season—numbers many forwards would envy. Coupled with Arsenal’s stellar defensive record (the best in the league) and the high probability of at least one clean sheet across two games, Gabriel offers a floor and ceiling that is virtually unmatched. He is the standout captaincy candidate for the gameweek, offering a safe route to massive points.

Alongside him, you need to select a defensive partner. The choice is straightforward:

• David Raya: The league’s Golden Glove leader offers secure points in goal. A clean sheet in either game yields a minimum of 6 points, with save and bonus points potential on top.
• William Saliba: The linchpin of the defence. While his attacking threat is less pronounced than Gabriel’s, his minutes are absolute, and his bonus point system (BPS) potential is high in any clean sheet.
• Jurrien Timber: The wildcard. If fit and starting, his advanced role as an inverted full-back offers incredible attacking upside at a lower price. However, his minutes across 180 minutes are the biggest gamble of the three.

The second essential pick is in midfield: Declan Rice. As the third-highest scoring midfielder in FPL, his selection is a no-brainer. He has evolved into an attacking force, contributing 7 goals and 9 assists this season. Crucially, his role guarantees 180 minutes. He consistently racks up defensive contribution points (recoveries, tackles) in the FPL’s advanced metrics, providing a steady points flow even without a goal involvement. He is the safest and most productive Arsenal midfielder for the double.

The Calculated Punts: Chasing the Differential Dream

For managers needing to make up ground in their mini-leagues, safe picks might not be enough. This is where you consider the high-risk, high-reward punts. These players are not guaranteed to start both games, but their current form makes them tantalizing prospects for a single cameo.

Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a surprise goal threat from deep. With five goals this season, including two in his last two outings, the Spaniard is arriving in the box with confidence. If selected, he could be a explosive, low-owned differential.

Similarly, Viktor Gyökeres, should he lead the line, is in a rich vein of scoring form with three goals in his last two games. He is the classic penalty-box striker Arsenal have craved. However, with Arteta possibly managing his squad, the Swede’s minutes are a major question mark. Selecting either Zubimendi or Gyökeres is a move for the brave, a strategic gamble that could pay off handsomely or leave you with a one-point cameo.

Gameweek 37 Strategy: Building Around the Gunners

Your overall strategy for this pivotal gameweek should be built on a foundation of Arsenal assets, but not at the expense of a balanced squad. Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Lock in Gabriel and Captain Him: Do not overthink this. His combination of defensive solidity and attacking threat in a double gameweek is the premier asset available.
2. Pair with Raya or Saliba: Double up on Arsenal’s defence to maximize clean sheet probability. This is a safer route than chasing attacking minutes risks.
3. Secure Declan Rice’s Services: Complete your Arsenal triple-up with the midfield metronome. His all-round point generation is the perfect complement to your defensive double-up.
4. Weigh Punts Against Other Doublers: Before taking a -4 or -8 point hit to bring in Zubimendi or Gyökeres, consider other double gameweek players from teams like Chelsea, Tottenham, or Brighton who might have more secure minutes. Your Arsenal triple-up may be sufficient.
5. Plan the Exit Strategy: Remember, this is the last double for most. Have a plan in place for Gameweek 38 to potentially move off Arsenal assets if needed, especially if the title is decided.

The Final Whistle: A Week for Cool Heads

Gameweek 37 presents a classic FPL scenario: immense opportunity tempered by significant risk. While the allure of the Arsenal double is irresistible, the path to points is narrower than it appears. The essential picks of Gabriel and Declan Rice, complemented by a fellow defender, form the prudent, high-probability core of your strategy. The likes of Zubimendi and Gyökeres are glittering options for the reckless and the brave, capable of catapulting you up the ranks or derailing your season finale. In a week where many will be reaching for the stars, sometimes the smartest move is to secure your foundation. Captain Gabriel, double up on that formidable defence, and let Arsenal’s pursuit of glory propel you to your own personal fantasy triumph.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.