This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
After an turbulent opening week of the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season in which results were unpredictable and numerous fantasy Premier League studs failed to make an impact, things settled down a bit in Matchweek 2. Names like Sergio Aguero, Olivier Giroud and Christian Benteke graced the scoresheet while there were no truly shocking results outside of the 3-0 demolitions of Chelsea and Southampton, by Manchester City and Everton, respectively. We are only two weeks into the season but several highly-regarded FPL contributors are showing signs of a glorious return to form while others are displaying worrying marks of regression. While it is still too early to overreact to some of these developments, your FPL teams could be better served by cutting ties elsewhere.
RISING
Ross Barkley
Barkley was touted as the most talented attacking player to come through Everton's youth academy since Wayne Rooney when he broke through as a first-team regular two seasons ago, but he has struggled to show consistent form since that time. Barkley opened the season in strong fashion, smashing home a 23-yard Goal of the Week candidate in Everton's draw with Watford and creating chances from his central position.
The 21-year-old followed that effort up with a sensational display against Southampton in Gameweek 2, setting up teammate Romelu Lukaku for an easy goal before deftly sliding past a defender and burying one of his own.
Barkley is a player who could flourish this season with a bit of luck in the health department and a good run of games, and he is off to a productive start for FPL owners who stuck with him because of his enormous potential.
Vincent Kompany
Kompany is one of the most imposing center-halves in the Premier League, but he has struggled to stay fit over the last two seasons, missing roughly one third of matches during that time. His fitness is vital to the performance of the City back line as a whole, as he has led the unit to two consecutive clean sheets to begin the season. The Belgian is also one of the most effective aerial threats at his position, and he has already made his presence felt with a pair of headed corner goals to his name. With the citizens looking like the team to beat in the early stages of the season and Kompany's continued use in set-piece situations, he is as safe a bet as any FPL defender to accrue meaningful points on a weekly basis.
Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez enjoyed a stellar season debut when he scored a brace during the Foxes' four-goal outburst against Sunderland. However, due to the ineptitude of the competition and the nature of the two goals (one penalty and a redirection on a pinpoint cross), the Algerian needed a strong follow-up performance to confirm his place as a viable weekly FPL consideration. He did that and more in Saturday's 3-1 victory over West Ham, firing off four shots, drawing three fouls and scoring his third goal of the season on a lovely one-touch finish into the top corner. Mahrez continues to put himself in position to make things happen in and around the box, and while he should not be expected to lead the Premier League in goals this season, he looks to be one of the better goalscoring FPL midfielders out there.
FALLING
Harry Kane
Kane is a marked man after rising from the realm of the unknown to net 31 goals in all competitions last season. Through two matchweeks he is goalless and has just one shot on target as opposing defenses have blanketed him, forcing him to drop deeper to get on the ball. The 22-year-old's overall game has been strong, as he has kept possession well and played the role of provider at times, but he has not come close to living up to the expectations of his FPL owners. Until Spurs acquire another striker to pair with Kane or adapt their style of play to relieve some of the immense pressure on him, he is simply too expensive to justify selection on a weekly basis.
Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic has been an elite FPL defender for the past few seasons because of his constant involvement in the attack and the Blues' extremely stingy defensive record. The beginning of the 2015/16 season has been has been rough to say the least for Ivanovic, who has been beaten routinely on the defensive end and has been reluctant to get forward as a result. Chelsea has yet to face a truly favorable matchup, having squared off with attacking sides Swansea and Manchester City in the first two matches, so their defense should vastly improve on the 2.5 goals per game they have conceded. However, as the most expensive FPL defender in nearly every format, Ivanovic is not earning his keep.
Glenn Murray
Murray was a popular choice among lower-tier FPL forwards heading into the season after netting seven goals in just nine starts following his return from a loan spell with Reading last season. Due to his starting role in front of Palace's dynamic midfield quartet of Yohan Cabaye, Jason Puncheon, Yannick Bolaise and Wilfried Zaha, Murray looked a sure bet for double-digit goals in a full season as a starter. However, after an uninspiring performance in the season opener, the 31-year-old was relegated to the bench for Sunday's match against Arsenal and failed to make an appearance despite the Eagles using their full allotment of substitutions. Murray could still be a worthy matchup play if he makes it back into the starting XI, but his season-long value and his status as a weekly consideration are fading fast.
