Should You Stick or Twist with Haaland in FPL?

Erling Haaland, a standout player in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), has scored 22 points over the last three gameweeks and is set to return to his birthplace when Manchester City faces Leeds United on Saturday. However, with City blanking in Gameweek 31, FPL managers face a dilemma on whether to keep Haaland or transfer him out for alternatives, especially considering the lack of other premium options performing well. This article explores the current situation and strategies for FPL managers regarding Haaland and potential substitutes.

Last updated: 29 March 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Erling Haaland has emerged as a pivotal figure in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), leading the scoring charts with 22 points across the last three gameweeks. As Manchester City prepares to take on Leeds United, there are mixed feelings among FPL managers regarding whether to retain or transfer out the Norwegian forward. With City set to experience a blank gameweek in the upcoming fixtures, many are weighing their options carefully, particularly in the context of limited high-performing alternatives.

Key takeaways

Haaland has scored 22 points in the last three gameweeks.
Manchester City will not play in Gameweek 31, impacting player selection.
Alternative options like Manchester United players have shown potential.

Timeline: how we got here

The current FPL landscape has evolved significantly since the start of the season. Here are some key milestones:

August 2022: Haaland joins Manchester City, starting the season valued at £14m.
February 2023: Haaland's price rises to £14.8m as he becomes the top scorer in FPL.
March 2023: Haaland's recent performances raise questions about his value ahead of Gameweek 31.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent analysis indicates that Haaland has struggled in his last nine starts, only exceeding six points once, and netting just one goal from open play in his past ten matches. Meanwhile, Manchester City faces a blank Gameweek 31, leading to uncertainty about keeping their players.

What was already established

Haaland has consistently been one of the top-performing players in FPL, but recent statistics and performance trends suggest a dip in form that could influence managers’ decisions. Other premium players, such as Mohamed Salah, have also been underwhelming, adding to the complexity of the captaincy debate.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Premier League's scheduling impacts not only fans but also household engagement with the sport. With City blanking, fans may consider alternative strategies for their fantasy teams, influencing their viewing and engagement with upcoming matches.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses surrounding football, including merchandise sales and hospitality services, may feel the effects of Manchester City’s blank Gameweek, as fans may be less inclined to spend money if their favourite players aren’t playing.

Policy and regulation

With the Premier League's fixture scheduling, discussions about potential changes to the calendar may arise, particularly concerning how teams adapt to congested schedules and player rotations.

Numbers that matter

22: Points scored by Haaland over the last three gameweeks.
14.8m: Current market value of Haaland as of March 2023.
9: Number of matches Haaland has played without scoring from open play.
1: The only match in Haaland's last nine starts where he exceeded six points.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a popular online football management game.
Blank Gameweek: A gameweek in which certain teams do not have scheduled matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

FPL managers should evaluate their teams closely, particularly with the looming Gameweek 31. Assessing the viability of keeping Haaland or transferring to players with upcoming fixtures will be crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, managers need to consider potential double gameweeks, which could affect player valuations and availability. Keeping an eye on fixture announcements will be vital for optimal team performance.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixture announcements for Manchester City and other teams.
Player performance trends, particularly for alternatives like Manchester United players.
Injury updates on key players in the league.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor player performance and upcoming fixtures closely.
Consider diversifying your team with players from teams with favourable upcoming matches.

Don’t

Rush into transfers without assessing the potential impact on your overall team.
Neglect the importance of set-piece takers and their influence on match outcomes.

Checklist

Review your team composition for Gameweek 31.
Identify potential transfers based on player form and upcoming fixtures.
Keep an eye on injury news and player rotations.
Assess the value and performance of premium players like Haaland.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The current situation regarding player performance and fixture scheduling remains fluid. Injuries, form fluctuations, and managerial strategies will all play a role in determining the best course of action for FPL managers. Keeping abreast of latest news and updates is essential to navigate these uncertainties effectively.

Bottom line

As FPL managers weigh their options regarding Erling Haaland, it's crucial to balance the potential for points against the reality of upcoming fixtures. The decision to keep or transfer him should take into account not only his recent form but also the broader performance of competing players. With the Premier League season heating up, strategic planning will be key to maximising points in the lead-up to the end of the season.

FAQs

Should I keep Erling Haaland for Gameweek 31?

Considering Haaland's current form and Manchester City's blank in Gameweek 31, it may be wise to evaluate alternative options while keeping in mind the potential costs of bringing him back later.

Who are good alternatives to Haaland in FPL?

Players from Manchester United, such as Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko, have shown promise and could provide valuable points during upcoming gameweeks.

What should I consider when planning my FPL transfers?

FPL managers should consider player performance, upcoming fixtures, and potential injuries when planning transfers to optimise their teams effectively.