Is Your FPL Team Struggling with a Misfiring Haaland? Find Out What to Do!

As Erling Haaland's performance has dipped, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are left wondering what to do with the star striker. Over the past five matches, Haaland has only managed 14 points and a single goal, contrasting sharply with his earlier form where he scored 19 times in 17 matches. With a home fixture against Wolves approaching, many are reconsidering his captaincy status amidst concerns of potential rotation and declining statistics.

Last updated: 23 January 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Erling Haaland, once a staple captain option for FPL managers, is currently under scrutiny due to a significant drop in form. His recent performances have raised questions about whether to retain him as captain, especially with the looming threat of rest as he has participated in every league game this season. As he faces Wolves, the decision about his captaincy becomes even more critical, with many managers weighing the benefits of keeping the armband on him against other potential captaincy candidates.

Key takeaways

• Haaland's recent form has been disappointing, with just one goal in his last five games.
• Concerns about rotation exist as he has played every league match and started in the Champions League.
• Wolves represent a potential opportunity for a "get-right" game for Manchester City.

Timeline: how we got here

The recent downturn in Haaland's performance can be traced back through the following key moments:

• 1 December 2023: Haaland scores his 19th goal of the season, showcasing his potential.
• 5 January 2024: A pivotal match against a top rival leads to his first blank since early November.
• 15 January 2024: Continues to struggle, netting only 14 points in five games.
• 23 January 2024: Managers are now reconsidering their strategies with a home fixture against Wolves on the horizon.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, the discussion surrounding Haaland has intensified as FPL managers look for alternatives to captaincy. Recent performances have led to questions about his fitness and potential rest, given the congested fixture schedule. Additionally, emerging players like Omar Marmoush could threaten his starting position.

What was already established

Previously, Haaland was a must-have in any FPL squad, especially with his goal-scoring prowess. However, the recent drop in form has prompted a reevaluation of his status, with many managers considering whether to keep him as a captain or look for alternatives.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For FPL managers, the decision on whether to stick with Haaland could impact their overall performance in the league. A poor captain choice could lead to a significant drop in points, influencing their standing in mini-leagues and overall rankings.

Businesses and jobs

Fantasy football analytics companies may see increased traffic as managers seek advice and insights on player performances and alternatives to Haaland, impacting their engagement and revenue opportunities.

Policy and regulation

With the rise of FPL's popularity, regulatory bodies may consider guidelines to ensure fair play and transparency within fantasy leagues, particularly as more players engage in competitive leagues with financial stakes.

Numbers that matter

• 14 points: Haaland's total from his last five matches.
• 19 goals: Haaland's tally in the first 17 matches of the season, highlighting his earlier dominance.
• 100 points: Jordan Pickford, Everton's goalkeeper, as the top-scoring keeper this season, further emphasising the value of considering alternatives.

Definitions and jargon buster

• FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a popular online fantasy football game.
• Captaincy: The role of a team member designated to earn double points based on their performance.
• Clean Sheet: When a team does not concede any goals in a match, often resulting in bonus points for defenders and goalkeepers.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Managers should monitor Haaland's performance closely, particularly during the Wolves match. If he continues to struggle, it might be prudent to consider alternative captaincy options for upcoming fixtures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, maintaining flexibility in squad selections will be key. Managers might need to adapt strategies based on player performances and injuries, particularly for high-profile players like Haaland.

Signals to watch

• Player fitness updates from Manchester City regarding Haaland's potential rest.
• Form and performance of emerging players like Omar Marmoush.
• Fixture difficulty for Manchester City in the coming weeks.

Practical guidance

Do

• Assess the latest injury news and player fitness updates regularly.
• Consider alternative captain options from players in form.
• Use statistical analysis to inform decisions on player selections.

Don’t

• Don’t rush into transferring Haaland out without considering upcoming fixtures.
• Don’t ignore other players who could provide better points potential at this time.
• Don’t overlook the importance of overall squad balance and depth.

Checklist

• Review Haaland’s recent performance statistics.
• Examine alternatives for captaincy based on upcoming matches.
• Stay updated on team news from Manchester City.
• Evaluate your overall squad composition and budget.
• Monitor the performance of other potential captain candidates.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are inherent risks in making drastic changes to your FPL team based solely on recent performances. Haaland has previously shown the capacity to bounce back, and his form could change with a single match. Additionally, the unpredictability of player rotations and injuries means that decisions should be made based on comprehensive analysis rather than impulse.

Bottom line

As Haaland's form declines, FPL managers must weigh the risks of sticking with him versus exploring other captaincy options. Keeping a close eye on upcoming fixtures, player fitness, and performance trends will be crucial in making informed decisions that could impact their ranks in the Fantasy Premier League.

FAQs

Should I keep Haaland in my FPL team?

While Haaland's recent form is concerning, consider his upcoming fixtures and potential to bounce back before making a transfer decision.

Who are some good alternatives for captaincy this week?

Consider players like Jordan Pickford or Florian Wirtz, who have been performing well and have favourable matchups.

How does player rotation affect my FPL strategy?

Player rotation can significantly impact points potential; stay informed on team news to make timely decisions about your squad.