This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
Matchweek 16 represented just the second time this season that no Premier League club scored more than two goals in a game, but there were still plenty of talking points that emerged. Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool all continued their recent struggles, while Leicester City extended their dream season with another win. Fantasy Premier League production was hard to come because of the drop in scoring, but the performances of several notable players have landed them back on the radar as we enter the busiest portion of the schedule. Unfortunately for some others, their prolonged struggles have their places on FPL rosters, as well as their actual teams, in question.
RISING:
Jordan Henderson
Henderson made his long-awaited return from injury at the end of November, and he played by far his best match of the season Sunday against West Brom, scoring a goal, adding an assist, ripping off five shots and providing four crosses. Most importantly, the Reds' captain played 90 minutes for the first time since Matchday 1, leading his squad to a dramatic draw by setting up the tying goal late in the second half. Henderson will play a vital role in the middle of the Liverpool midfield, and he should serve as a great source of action stats with goals and assists sprinkled in. His price is relatively low after the extended injury layoff, and he is in line for another productive outing against Watford this weekend.
Pedro
Pedro was an impact performer after subbing on for the injured Eden Hazard in Monday's match versus Leicester City, landing his only shot on target while swinging in five crosses, including an assist on the Loic Remy goal that brought the Blues back into the match. The Spaniard thrived while stepping into Hazard's attacking role, putting forth one of his most impactful performances since arriving at the club this summer. Pedro's price tag has dropped a bit after having gone over two months without factoring into a goal prior to Monday, and he would be an intriguing option for Saturday's home match versus Sunderland if he were to start for Hazard.
Junior Stanislas
Stanislas hardly featured for Bournemouth in the early portion of the season, but he has been an attacking force over the last month, scoring three goals with assisting one in the last four matches. The 26-year-old, who is averaging roughly three shots and five crosses per game during that span, would represent an excellent value play if he continues to play at this level for the resurgent Cherries, who coincidentally have not lost a game this season when he has played 90 minutes. Stanislas will look to continue his fine form in Saturday's away match versus West Brom.
FALLING:
Sadio Mane
Mane got off a quick start to the season after emerging as a vital part of the Southampton attack last year, but his production has tapered off to the tune of just one assist in six matches of league play since late October. Typically a solid source of action stats as well, the Cameroonian has also averaged just over two crosses and two shots per game during that same span, illustrating an overall dip in form. Mane is by no means a cheap FPL option at the moment because of his history of productivity, and his poor recent play makes him even less desirable as the Saints host Tottenham this weekend.
Kyle Naughton
Naughton emerged as a useful fantasy contributor earlier this season because of his willingness to join the attack and put in crosses, but he found himself on the bench last weekend against Manchester City. The benching happened to come just a week after Riyad Mahrez torched Naughton for a hat trick, and teammate Angel Rangel's return from a two-month injury absence provided caretaker manager Alan Curtis with an adequate fill-in at fullback. It is unclear whether Naughton will receive another opportunity as the starter in the short term, making him a risky play in Matchweek 17 against West Ham.
David Silva
Silva returned from a long-term injury in late November, but he has hardly resembled the extremely productive player from earlier this season. In three league matches since regaining his fitness, the Spanish playmaker hasn't attempted a shot and has provided just two crosses, numbers that pale in comparison to what he is capable of when in top form. Teammates Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Bony and even Yaya Toure have handled the added offensive burden in the absence of Sergio Aguero, and are all more attractive options than Silva while he continues to work his way back. This weekend's trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal does not present him with a great opportunity for a breakout.
