This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
For what seems like the first time this season, each member of last season's top four imposed their will on the opposition, as Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all won their fixtures and combined for a plus-12 goal differential. Despite this display of dominance, several players from smaller clubs stole the show, including a four-goal explosion from an unlikely source. In this particular season, the mid-table clubs seem to have unearthed some excellent talent that has made an immediate impact on the fantasy Premier League landscape, while some of the higher profile signings by the big clubs have failed to pan out. This week's FPL Barometer includes several new additions to the Premiership, some of whom deserve a place on your roster, and others who are better served providing headaches to someone else.
RISING:
Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum went seven matches without scoring after his excellent season debut, but his six goals and one assist over his past five appearances for club and country suggest that he has regained his early-season form. The Dutchman exploded for four goals against Norwich City in Matchweek 9, bringing his total to six, which is tops among FPL midfielders.
With Newcastle traveling to take on lowly Sunderland in Matchweek 10, Wijnaldum is primed for another productive outing and can be had at a modest price in most formats.
Dimitri Payet
Although Payet is in his debut season in the Premier League, he has quickly established himself as an excellent weekly option in nearly all formats, as his silky chipped goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday raised his total to five, along with three assists, in just nine matches with the Hammers. The 28-year-old, who led Ligue 1 with 16 assists last season for Marseille, is currently on pace for nearly 20 goals and double-digit assists. While this top-level of production should be expected to taper off a bit, Payet's propensity to rack up the shots, crosses, goals and assists, makes him a worthy play regardless of the matchup. Payet has been a quality FPL asset since the beginning of the season, but his inclusion in this week's article signifies his jump to elite status.
Willian
After his assist in the Matchweek 9 fixture versus Aston Villa, Willian has now factored into a goal in five straight appearances (four goals) and is in the midst of one of the most productive stretches of his Chelsea career. The Brazilian has already matched his goal total from both of the previous two seasons, putting him on pace to comfortably set a new career-high in that category this time around. Willian's success in an attacking role seems to have earned him an extended run in the starting XI, and his affordable price tag makes him an enticing FPL matchup play for as long as he continues to produce.
FALLING:
Andre Ayew
Ayew introduced himself to the Premier League with four goals and an assist in his first five matches, but he has managed to find the net just once in the six, while Swansea's once-prolific attack has sputtered. Opposing defenses have begun to sit back as Swansea possess the ball, limiting the scoring chances on the break that Ayew and strike partner Bafetimbi Gomis were so effective at converting earlier in the season, when they combined for seven goals and an assist in five matches. The Ghanaian should rebound as Swansea adjust their style of play, but it is hard to justify his FPL selection given his present form.
Pedro
Pedro made quite the impression on Chelsea fans and FPL owners alike, when he had a goal, an assist, seven shots and 11 crosses in his first two matches for the Blues.The Spaniard has struggled to replicate that type of output over the past nine games, however, as he has just managed one goal during that span. Chelsea have been wildly unpredictable as a whole this season, in terms of both team and individual performances, and Pedro will be hard-pressed to consistently produce until some sort continuity is achieved. He is expected to play this weekend against West Ham despite picking up a knock against Aston Villa, but there are better FPL options available.
Memphis Depay
Because of some of the dazzling ability Memphis has displayed in his debut season with Manchester United, plenty of FPL owners have seemingly overestimated his fantasy production to date, as the Dutchman has just one league goal and has yet to provide an assist. Despite these modest returns, Memphis is still among the most highly priced midfielders in nearly every format, and he continues to be selected as such. Furthermore, he is averaging just three crosses per game in his last five and has seen his playing time decline in each appearance during that span, culminating in just 10 minutes in United's midweek Champion's League match versus CSKA Moscow. Memphis has hit a low point after a quick start to his career in England, and this week's matchup versus Manchester City hardly seems like a chance to break out.
