FPL Barometer: De Bruyne is Back

FPL Barometer: De Bruyne is Back

This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.

Week 32 of the Premier League had a bit of a throwback feel to it, as last year's top four of Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all won in the same round for just the second time this season. Coinciding with strong performances by the big clubs was a hefty total of 29 goals, and some new developments have the fantasy landscape shifting yet again. Everton and Crystal Palace will each play a pair of matches this week, throwing a new wrinkle at owners in season-long formats, but the extra fixture was not taken into consideration for this week's Barometer. With that said, the following players could warrant a further look when compiling your FPL squad for Matchweek 33:

RISING:

Alexandre Pato (FWD)
Pato scored in his Chelsea debut following an injury to Loic Remy in the first half of their match versus Aston Villa, and he netted his first goal for the Blues by slotting home a penalty in first half stoppage time. The Brazilian could very well find himself in the starting XI for this week's fixture with Swansea, as Diego Costa is suspended for one more match while Remy is expected to miss the rest of the season. As the lead striker versus a vulnerable Swansea back line this weekend, Pato could hold some solid short-term value.

Kevin De Bruyne (MID)
De Bruyne returned from a long-term injury absence for last week's tricky away tie with Bournemouth, and his presence ignited the Manchester City attack, who rattled off four goals after failing to score in their previous three. The Belgian scored a goal, created numerous chances and won Man of the Match in his return, illustrating the important role he will play with Raheem Sterling sidelined and Yaya Toure struggling for fitness as well. De Bruyne was expected to be eased back into the side since he was out for over two months, but after his return it appears that he is all systems go heading into the final weeks of the season.

Alex Iwobi (MID)
Arsenal have seemingly uncovered their next young star, as Iwobi has taken extremely well to the opportunity to start alongside the other first-teamers. The youngster starred in a win over Everton last month, scoring the winning goal, and he found the back of the net once again while also providing an assist in last week's 4-0 thumping of Watford. Arsenal have turned things around of late after a string of poor results last month, and Iwobi has been right at the center of the revival. His salary is still incredibly low in most formats, positioning him to serve as a strong bargain play for the remainder of the campaign.

FALLING:

Bryan Oviedo (DEF)
Oviedo had seemingly wrestled the starting left fullback job away from Leighton Baines as recently as last month, but Baines has now started the last three matches after proving his fitness to manager Roberto Martinez. Oviedo filled in admirably as his teammate struggled to find his best form and even provided attacking support similar to what Baines offers, but he seems unlikely to break back into the starting XI for as long as the latter continues to perform.

Heurelho Gomes (GK)
Gomes has established some fantasy value by leading Watford to the seventh-best defensive record in the league, but his form has hit the skids after a 4-0 drubbing at Arsenal last week. He has now allowed eight goals in his last four starts and has not won a match in nearly a month, due in part to Watford's struggling attack. Things won't get any easier for Gomes, as Everton loom next on the schedule before the Hornets' difficult trips to West Ham and West Brom.

West Ham Forwards
Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are all fit at once for what seems like the first time all season, and their coexistence seems to be eating away at each of their individual fantasy values. None of the three has played 90 minutes since the start of March, and they have combined for just two goals and a single assist despite some strong offensive statistics from the Hammers during that time. If one man were to emerge as the go-to option, he would be a worthy fantasy play for the sixth-place side, but the situation is too murky at this point to take advantage with confidence.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tate McIntyre
Tate is a soccer writer for RotoWire who focuses primarily on the Barclays Premier League and La Liga. He also contributes to NFL, MLB & NBA coverage. He is a former college soccer player as well as an avid supporter of Arsenal, FC Dallas and America's team: The Dallas Cowboys.
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