This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
For the FPL Barometer: Taking Stock (Part 1), click here.
Manchester City
Though City sits in fourth in the table, we have yet to see their full capabilities. This is true both in the attack and in defense. It is a little disappointing considering they have opened with matches against Brighton and Bournemouth. As they fine tune the lineup for optimal performance they will start to show their true colors. It may need to wait a week with a visit from Liverpool up next, but a trip to Watford and a home match against Crystal Palace should help Manchester City find their way.
Stock Rising
Benjamin Mendy made his Manchester City debut this past weekend. Though he was unable to help City keep a clean sheet, he flashed some of what he can bring with three assisted shots. Look for him to be on the field for some clean sheets and contribute some points from the attack.
Stock Falling
Sergio Aguero's absence from the lineup is concerning. With Champions League approaching, could this be a sign of some inconsistent appearances? Aguero clearly has the talent but he can't accrue points if he is not on the pitch.
Manchester United
There is not a team in Europe that has been more impressive to start league play than United. 10 goals scored while not conceding is as impressive as it gets through the first three gameweeks. It has been an easy schedule to start, but it does not get much more difficult over the next four gameweeks. If you own any United players, continue to ride them. If you don't own any United players, go find some.
Stock Rising
While Phil Jones is healthy, it is hard to not include him at his low cost while United looks solid defensively.
Stock Falling
It's hard to find a player to avoid on United, unless you consider Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He's been in the news after signing his new contract, but his role will not be what it was last season.
Newcastle United
While it has not translated to a large amount of success, Newcastle have put up a good number and prevented a good number of shots. Look for the defense to find some success coming out of the international break with matches against Swansea, Stoke and Brighton.
Stock Rising
Ciaran Clark has looked good to start the season. With some good chances for clean sheets in the upcoming weeks he makes for a very interesting play.
Stock Falling
Jacob Murphy is the second most expensive midfielder for Newcastle, but with just two substitute appearances to begin the season, there are better options to be had.
Southampton
The Saints have seen plenty of zeroes to start the season. For the defense, this is not a problem. However, there is some worry about the attack. They haven't really faced a difficult defense but will continue to get some good opportunities coming out of the international break. Hosting Watford and a trip to Crystal Palace will provide more opportunity for the Saints players to earn good fantasy value.
Stock Rising
Nathan Redmond has put up some gaudy shot and assisted shot numbers through three gameweeks. Look for it to lead to some production over the next two. Manolo Gabbiadini will see more opportunities to score as well, and he has a history of converting, so look for him to continue to perform.
Stock Falling
Southampton players should see good opportunities over the next two gameweeks.
Tottenham
No team is taking aim at their opponents' goals more than Tottenham. This bodes well for the team that led the Premier League in goals last season. To help matters even more, the calendar will have turned to September when they take the pitch against Everton. The three matches following the Everton match should have owners salivating. Just hope the increased schedule with Champions League play does not cause spot rests.
Stock Rising
Harry Kane will almost certainly get on the score sheet over the next four weeks. With some good matchups, it is hard not to foresee him pacing the league in between international breaks.
Stock Falling
Heung-Min Son broke out in a big way last season with 14 goals and six assists. Though he is still recovering, he has not looked to be in the same class this season.
Stoke City
Fantasy value from Stoke City has come more from the defensive side rather than the attack. A combined total of four goals have been scored through three Stoke City matches. The schedule will continue with some Champions League hopefuls over the next few weeks, so expect more of the same.
Stock Rising
None of the next four matches for Stoke City scream clean sheet, so it would be a good time to avoid Potters.
Stock Falling
See above.
Swansea City
Swansea City have gone chalk through their first three gameweeks. Should they not throw any surprises they have a good run of matches coming up. Now would be a good time to find a place for a Swan in the attack.
Stock Rising
Tammy Abraham just scored his first goal for Swansea City this past gameweek, and he will have a good opportunity to build on it going forward.
Stock Falling
With finding goal success and the Swans brining in a number of attacking players before the close of the transfer deadline, Jordan Ayew may find consistent playing time hard to come by.
Watford
Watford have shown signs of explosion early this season. Three of the next four are on the road, and the home match is against Manchester City. Goals could be harder to come by for the Hornets, and there could be frustration on the defensive side despite two consecutive clean sheets.
Stock Rising
Richarlison has broken onto the scene with 14 combined shots and assisted shots over the last two matches. He's been the focus of Watford's attack and looks to be the most valuable Hornet at this point.
Stock Falling
Andre Gray looked to be the guy up front when he signed with Watford. However, three shot attempts in the first three matches is not a strong a base for fantasy success.
West Brom
With just one goal allowed to start the season, the defense continues to be the bright spot for the Baggies. While they have a decent run of opponents to keep their fine form going, they could also see an increase in the attack.
Stock Rising
Ahmed Hegazi has been a bright spot for a team that continues to have solid clean sheet potential. In addition, he's putting the ball on goal and could bring added value. If you want to take advantage of their attacking options, Jay Rodriguez is the best option.
Stock Falling
Chris Brunt's value last season came as a defender, but now that he's back to being classified as a midfielder, he is just another player.
West Ham
Has there been a more disappointing team to start the season? No one has allowed more goals and their "improved" attack has managed to score just twice. Luckily, the schedule gets a bit easier over the next six weeks (except for the visit from Tottenham).
Stock Rising
Chicharito returns to the Premier League after a few fine seasons in Germany. He has two goals to start the season and will have a good opportunity to build on it even more.
Stock Falling
The stock was extremely high for Manuel Lanzini to begin the season, but an unfortunate injury delayed his start of the season and looks to be affecting his play. Until he returns to full fitness and shows some good performances, it would be best to stay away.
