This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
As we discussed last week, the upcoming portion of the Premier League schedule affords many players the opportunity to step into larger roles, even if only temporarily, because of the sheer volume of matches. Through injuries and squad rotations there will be many names earning increased playing time in the coming weeks, resulting in fantasy value to be had from some unsuspected places. By that same token, players who underperform during this time of year often find themselves competing for regular minutes as those who have earned an extended run are given the chance to shine. This week's barometer focuses on players whose short-term value can make all the difference during not only Matchweek 14, but also through the rest of the season's most crucial stretch.
RISING:
Roberto Firmino
Firmino came on slowly this season after his nearly $38 million transfer from Hoffenheim during the summer, but he has come on of late, notching a goal and three assists in his last three starts in all competitions. The Brazilian has combined expertly with compatriot Philippe Coutinho at the head of the Liverpool attack, and he has played a more consistent role since the hire of manager Jurgen Klopp. With Coutinho considered questionable for this weekend's match versus Swansea, Firmino could assume an even larger role.
Ross Barkley
Barkley was mentioned in this column earlier in the season as a player to watch, but since then he has ascended to even greater heights, now sitting at five goals and four assists in 13 league matches after scoring a brace with an assist in last weekend's match versus Aston Villa. The 21-year-old is on pace to turn in the best statistical season of his career by a wide margin, while his propensity for putting in crosses and firing off shots makes him an especially attractive fantasy option. Furthermore, Everton will play perhaps the most favorable schedule of any Premier League club over the next six weeks, making Barkley an elite play for the foreseeable future.
Leonardo Ulloa
Ulloa was an underrated FPL option last season, totaling 11 goals and three assists for Leicester City, but he has missed a significant amount of time this season due to injuries. The Argentine returned from a three-week absence in a big way last Saturday, scoring his first goal of the season and providing an assist in 73 minutes of the 3-0 demolition of Newcastle. If Ulloa continues to start alongside the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton in the Foxes' potent attack, he could be an excellent value play in most formats while his price is low.
FALLING:
Nathan Redmond
Redmond jumped out to a quick start to the campaign, scoring three goals with one assist through the first seven league matches, but he has scored just one goal since September. The talented 21-year-old has become the focus of many opponents' defensive game plans after his hot start, and he has yet to make the necessary adjustments to get back on track, averaging just one shot and two crosses per game over the last four. Redmond should eventually bounce back, as he is one of Norwich's most heavily-relied upon attacking options, but with Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United making up four of the next five opponents, a return to form is unlikely in the near future.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri's international chops have made him a popular buy-low FPL option in the early going, but after 10 league matches, he is quickly earning the 'bust' label. The Swiss attacker has just one assist this season, and he has significantly underperformed the $18 million transfer fee that Stoke paid for him in the summer. As a member of the league's least potent attack with perhaps the least favorable schedule over the next few weeks, Shaqiri should be allowed to earn FPL consideration with a string of solid contributions before you snap him up.
Anthony Marital
After exploding for four goals and an assist in his first five matches for Manchester United, Martial's production has seen a sharp decline, with just one goal and one assist in all competitions since Sep. 26. The Frenchman did not feature in last week's match versus Watford, and the addition of the emerging Jesse Lingard to an already crowded attacking corps could make regular minutes hard to come by. Martial should remain in contention for weekly starts, especially during the busy winter season, but he is not currently an automatic inclusion in the first 11 and still carries a hefty price tag in most formats.
