This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
Matchweek 30 of the Premier League season was unique to say the least, especially from a fantasy perspective, as just 10 clubs took the pitch in league play and the result was a rather predictable season-low of 11 total goals scored. The campaign is winding down, so there will surely be plenty of fluidity in the coming weeks as managers desperately try to secure as many points as possible from their remaining fixtures. This weekend we are back with a 10-game slate, and a few developments since the last full matchweek have vaulted some new names to the forefront of players to target in the near future and beyond.
RISING:
Salomon Rondon (FWD)
Rondon has hit an excellent run of form, as he now has four goals in his last five league starts. West Brom have adopted a more adventurous style of play, often deploying the Colombian alongside Saido Berahino, and the Baggies have since drawn with Leicester and beaten Manchester United. With the club's arrow pointing up, Rondon and company seem poised to continue their strong play as they host 18th-place Norwich this weekend before paying a visit to Sunderland.
Diafra Sakho (FWD)
Sakho has made three appearances since returning from a long-term injury, and he racked up a goal and an assist in just 29 minutes off the bench versus Everton in his last league outing. The striker made another cameo in this past weekend's FA Cup draw with Manchester United, and he could finally be ready to re-enter the starting lineup in the upcoming fixture versus Chelsea. Sakho's limited involvement this season has significantly depressed his price tag, making him an intriguing value play if he indeed cracks the first XI.
Bertrand Traore (MID)
Traore has been very productive with four goals and an assist in his last five domestic matches, and he could stand to see a significant increase in playing time due to the asinine antics of Diego Costa. The latter has been suspended for earning himself a red card in last weekend's FA Cup match versus Everton, and the ban could span three matches or more if he is charged with violent conduct after allegedly attempting to bite Gareth Barry in the ensuing altercation. Alexandre Pato is also now fit, but Traore will seemingly get the first crack at replacing Costa.
FALLING:
Aleksander Kolarov (DEF)
Kolarov remains one of the most highly-priced fantasy defenders due to his past accomplishments, but he has started just one match over the last month, compared to seven for teammate Gael Clichy. The Serbian has seemingly found his way into manager Manuel Pellegrini's doghouse, and Clichy's superior performance in the defensive third has helped the Citizens to three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Kolarov remains a strong play whenever he does make his way into the lineup, but it could be time to cut bait in season-long formats.
Benik Afobe (FWD)
Afobe came in hot with three goals in his first four appearances for Bournemouth, but he has netted just once in the last six matches and has attempted a grand total of three shots during that span. The return to form of Joshua King (two goals in the last two matches) seems to have diminished Afobe's role in the attack, and this weekend's tough matchup against Tottenham at White Hart Lane further dampens his fantasy value.
Giannelli Imbula (MID)
Imbula had many Premier League enthusiasts excited after his $27 million move from Porto in January, but his game has simply failed to translate into fantasy production. The 23-year-old has been deployed mostly as a defensive midfielder and has only sporadically shown a desire to get forward. Imbula can still be used as a low-cost option in formats that reward action stats and defensive contributions, but his value is minimal in standard formats.
