This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
With superstars including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge each opening their season goal-scoring accounts this weekend, fantasy Premier League owners caught a glimpse of what could be. Consistency from big-name attacking players has been remarkably hard to come by in the early going, while the top of the Premier League scoring chart is hardly recognizable compared to last season's.
Selection data will show that several big names are still valued quite highly despite a lack of recent production, while some less established players have yet to earn the level of respect from FPL owners that their statistics would support. Today we will provide you with with some names to consider if your patience has run its course, as well as a couple of players who aren't justifying their price tag at the moment.
RISING
Daniel Sturridge
Once one of the most prolific goal scorers in the Premier League, Sturridge has struggled to find his way onto the field over the last two seasons because of a myriad of injuries. The 26-year-old returned last week and opened this season's account with a pair of goals in Saturday's win over Aston Villa. The continued absences have soured some FPL owners to Sturridge, but this is a player who has scored 37 times in his last 46 league starts over the last three-plus seasons, making him an excellent option whenever he is available. He appears to be fully fit at last, and his weekly partnership with Christian Beneteke (or Danny Ings) should keep defenses from keying in on him, as was the case in his most productive season when he played beside Luis Suarez. Sturridge's price varies from format to format, but he is primed to return to his productive ways and should be worth the investment.
Jamie Vardy
Vardy had a strong 2014/15 season, scoring five goals and adding eight assists for a low-scoring Leicester City squad, but he has taken his game to another level through the first seven matches of this year. After his brace against Arsenal on Saturday, the 28-year-old sits alone atop the league with six goals. The Foxes have shown that they are willing to play an open, attacking style regardless of their opponent, so Vardy should continue to see plenty of scoring changes with flying wingers Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton supplying him with ammunition. Vardy should be a top priority for owners who are looking to bolster their forward spots, as his price is still affordable and Leicester's upcoming schedule is rather favorable.
Sadio Mane
Mane scored 10 goals and added three assists last year in what was a fine debut season in England, but he got off to a bit of a slow start this year, as Southampton adjusted to a number of lineup changes. However, the Senegalese forward has come to life in recent weeks, and he now has a goal and three assists in his last three league starts. Mane is playing a freer role this season, with Graziano Pelle, Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long occupying the forward spots, and he has already set up as many goals as he did all of last year. He has taken as many as seven shots in a single match this season and provided as many as five crosses, illustrating his weekly potential to produce in different categories. Mane isn't the cheapest option after last season's goal returns, but he appears to be heating up for a Saints squad that is hitting its stride.
FALLING
Bafetimbi Gomis
Owners who jumped on the Gomis bandwagon following his torrid start to the season have to be disappointed, as the striker has failed to score in his last four games and didn't even attempt a shot before he was subbed off at the half against Southampton on Saturday. The Frenchman has obviously drawn more attention from opposing defenses after scoring four goals in his first four matches, and the Swansea attack as a whole has suffered since his dip in form, with just one goal in the last four. Gomis is still a talented player with a strong supporting cast, but his lack of recent production has his FPL value on the decline, when combined with his elevated price tag.
Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas was an FPL star at this point last season, as he was well on his way to a league-leading 18 assists in his triumphant return to England. Chelsea have been a complete mess so far in 2015/16, with a goal differential of minus-3 through seven matches, and the Spaniard has just one assist in league play. Fabregas has played in a deeper midfield role for the most part this season and he simply hasn't been as involved in the attack, with the likes of Oscar and Pedro stepping into larger roles. The 28-year-old's price tag is simply too high at the moment compared to his weekly potential for fantasy production, and he is certainly no longer an elite FPL midfielder.
Yannick Bolasie
Bolasie blossomed into one of the more dangerous attackers in the Premier League last season with Crystal Palace, as he scored four goals while providing five assists and constantly terrorized opposing defenses with his combination of size, speed and skill on the wing. The Congolese attacker was a popular choice among FPL owners to begin the season, but he has yet to factor into a goal and has started just three times. Bolasie is a likely candidate to turn things around as he fights for his place in the team, but he is no longer a safe bet to come through for his owners from week to week.
