FPL Player Analysis: Foden's Rise, Salah's Fall, Defensive Holds

Deep Dive

The discussion begins with an examination of Semenyo, who has seen a price drop to 7.7 million and is a popular transfer out for Gameweek 15, primarily for Phil Foden. The source notes Semenyo's poor form since Gameweek 7, with no goals or assists in recent matches, and describes Bournemouth's performance against Everton as uninspiring. However, the source suggests that while Semenyo is sellable, he is not an absolute must-sell, especially considering upcoming fixtures against Manchester United away, Burnley at home, and Brentford away, and he is considered a player who will likely play 90 minutes each week when fit.

Next, the focus shifts to Phil Foden, who has delivered strong performances with four goals and assists in the last two Gameweeks, accumulating 15 points in Gameweek 13 and 17 in Gameweek 14. The source highlights that Foden has started every game since Gameweek 4, with an average of 87 minutes per start, and notes that fears of rotation have diminished due to his consistent game time and recent form. Despite potential rotation concerns due to upcoming Champions League matches, Pep Guardiola's past comments suggest Foden can play week in, week out. The source identifies Foden's upcoming fixtures against Sunderland at home, Crystal Palace away, and West Ham at home as favorable, and suggests that a free transfer from Semenyo to Foden is a good move. The source also considers Foden a potential target for a hit if necessary, depending on the specific transfers involved, and posits that Foden appears to be a solid pick if his minutes continue to be consistent. The source questions which other midfielders are currently considered must-haves, noting concerns over players like Saka and Bruno Fernandes.

The conversation then moves to Michael Keane, who did not feature for Everton against Bournemouth due to a knock, being only yellow-flagged on FPL. The source suggests Keane is sellable if he is out for Gameweek 15, with the possibility of returning to him later, perhaps in Gameweek 18, given his low price of 4.6 million and potentially difficult fixtures for Everton after Gameweek 15. For owners seeking a cheap defender under 5 million, Newcastle players are mentioned, with Lewis Hall noted for his attacking contributions, though a center-back from Newcastle is suggested. Van den Berg is also highlighted as a potential target from Gameweek 16 onwards due to Brentford's favorable fixtures.

Following this, Dougie is discussed as another sellable player. The source notes that while Dougie is a nailed-on penalty taker against Forest at home, his fixtures from Gameweek 16 onwards (Chelsea away, Arsenal at home) are difficult, and he will be unavailable for a period due to the African Cup of Nations. The source suggests that a transfer involving Dougie could be a useful move to set up for Gameweek 16, especially since he has not produced significant points since Gameweek 10, though the source acknowledges that nailed penalty takers can score unexpectedly.

The discussion then addresses Mohamed Salah, who has been benched for two consecutive matches, coming on at halftime for Cody Gakpo in one instance. The source emphatically states that Salah, at 14.1 million for limited minutes over two Gameweeks, must be sold, and there is no reason to keep him, even with a prediction that he might start against Leeds away. The source expresses surprise at Salah being benched twice and notes that his minutes are not justifiable for his price, suggesting he is no longer a viable FPL pick and is considered "completely washed." The source reflects on how FPL dynamics change and that Salah would need significant form and consistent starts, likely after the African Cup of Nations, and potentially a Haaland injury, to be considered again, which could take 15 or more Gameweeks.

Virgil van Dijk is then analyzed as a frustrating pick at 6 million, especially when compared to Nunez who is the same price and scoring. The source suggests that non-owners are unlikely to bring him in, which is reasonable. For owners, the source posits that Van Dijk offers security of starts over the Christmas period, which can be useful when other players face rotation risks, citing Timber and Saka as examples. Despite not keeping a clean sheet, he still managed four points, and the source notes his potential for defensive contributions and a chance for a headed goal. However, with two away games in the next three, the source advises against buying him now, though holding him is considered acceptable due to the security of starts, especially if freeing up funds for other transfers is not a priority.

Cody Gakpo is discussed as a player whose minutes are not guaranteed, evidenced by being substituted at halftime for Salah against Arsenal. The source notes that with Liverpool's attacking options, Gakpo's playing time is uncertain, though his minutes are expected to improve when Salah departs for the African Cup of Nations. For his price of 7.5 million, the source believes there are better midfielders available, questioning where Gakpo would fit into a midfield with players like Foden, Son, Saka, and Fernandes. The source suggests that if an owner is frustrated by Gakpo's early substitutions, they should transfer him out for a safer option, while those willing to risk potential early substitutions might be able to keep him.

Jean Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace is then examined, with the source expressing uncertainty about him for Gameweek 15 and 16, though he is considered a potential longer-term option. The source highlights that Palace are a good side, Mateta is the first-choice striker and penalty taker, and his minutes are generally consistent, though they have dipped recently. At 8.1 million, Thiago is presented as a cheaper alternative with good fixtures from Gameweek 16. However, the source notes Mateta's challenging fixture run, including European matches and a short turnaround before playing Leeds away, which could impact his minutes and fitness. The source suggests Mateta is sellable, particularly to free up funds for Thiago, but does not consider him an essential sell.

Thiago is then discussed, having been benched against Arsenal and playing only 30 minutes. The source suggests this might have been a tactical decision due to Arsenal playing a back three, or potentially due to a minor knock. Acknowledging that Thiago is not perfect and could face mid-week rotation, the source still views him as a good FPL pick at 6.7 million, citing his potential for good minutes when starting, favorable fixtures from Gameweek 16 onwards (Spurs away, Leeds at home, Wolves away, Bournemouth at home, Spurs at home), and his role as first-choice penalty taker. The source also points out that with Darwin Nunez potentially going to the African Cup of Nations, Thiago might start more games. The source considers a Mateta to Thiago switch a viable option, particularly given Thiago's rising price and the upcoming Gameweek 16 with five free transfers. However, the source notes that if Mateta plays 75+ minutes, he