This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
The first half of the Premier League season was nothing short of thrilling, as there were a number of surprising performances from clubs and individuals alike that have created a number of unforeseen talking points heading into the New Year. From a fantasy perspective, this is a good time to review statistics, as the sample size is large enough to play a useful part in determining when certain players tend to have the most success, which emerging stars are for real and when others can no longer be counted on to replicate previous production. And with that, here is the initial fantasy Premier League Barometer for the second half of this eventful campaign:
RISING:
Gerard Deulofeu
While Deulofeu has been overshadowed for most of the season by his terrific teammates Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, he has developed into a very useful FPL contributor in his own right. Over his last eight league starts, the young Spaniard has two goals and four assists while averaging nearly eight crosses per match. Deulofeu should continue to play a large role in what has become one of the most prolific attacks in the league, and he is particularly attractive in formats that value action stats. This weekend's match versus Tottenham could be a high-scoring affair, and Deulofeu should have a great chance to extend this productive stretch.
Andy Carroll
Carroll has been limited to just five league starts this season because of injuries, but he was a difference-maker in returning from his latest setback, scoring the winning goal in Monday's triumph over Southampton. The big striker could return to the starting lineup this weekend versus former club Liverpool, where he would represent a strong buy-low candidate due to his depressed salary. Factor in the possible return of dynamic playmaker Dimitri Payet (ankle) from a long injury layoff of his own, and Carroll could be a particularly interesting play if given the starting nod.
Shane Long
Long has benefited from the injury that is expected to keep teammate Graziano Pelle out until mid-January, as he has started each of the last two matches, including a Man of the Match performance against Arsenal when he bagged a pair of goals. The Irishman failed to repeat his Boxing Day performance in the subsequent match versus West Ham, but he was one of the most highly-rated Southampton players and appears to have settled into a prominent role in the attack. Given his extremely owner-friendly salary and the upcoming matchup versus Norwich, Long can be considered one of the top bargains available this week.
FALLING:
Tim Howard
Howard has been an elite FPL goalkeeper in recent seasons, but his stock appears to be suffering from Everton's open style of play, as no other club in the top 13 has conceded more goals than the high-scoring Toffees. The American has been beaten 12 times in the last six matches after Monday's 4-3 defeat to Stoke, including three matches in which he has given up at least three goals. Things don't get any easier for Howard, as Everton will host a surging Tottenham side this Sunday.
Wilfried Bony
Bony certainly made an impact when given the chance to serve as Manchester City's lead striker in the absence of Sergio Aguero, but he returned to the bench for Monday's match versus Leicester in the latter's second game since returning. The Citizens have as much attacking depth as any club in the league, so the Ivorian will likely be hard-pressed for regular starts as long as everyone remains healthy. Aguero has struggled since returning and Bony could feasibly play alongside him at some point, but Monday's developments do not bode well for his fantasy value.
Dusan Tadic
Similarly to last season, Tadic has displayed mesmerizing playmaking ability at times, and has looked completely uninterested on other occasions. After a bright start to the season, he has registered just one assist since early November. Manager Ronald Koeman has shown the willingness to bench the enigmatic Serbian in the past, and that has remained the case, as he has played 64 minutes or fewer in five of the last seven matches. Southampton have a favorable matchup with Norwich this weekend, but Tadic's recent form and the likelihood of reduced minutes do not help his fantasy value.
