The Fantasy Premier League season is a marathon, not a sprint. We hear that adage every year, and every year it rings true. But what happens when you’re twelve weeks in, the initial adrenaline has worn off, and some of those early-season darlings are starting to look more like liabilities than assets? We’ve all been there – staring at our squad, a gut feeling telling us it’s time for a change, but a stubborn part of our brain clinging to potential, to what *might* be.
Well, fellow FPL managers, Gameweek 13 of the 2025/26 season is upon us, and with it, a critical juncture for our squads. This isn’t just another week; it’s a moment to truly assess. Are you holding onto players who are simply not delivering value for their price? Are you watching valuable funds stagnate in assets that have lost their spark or, worse, their starting berths?
If you’re nodding along, then you’re in the right place. After meticulous analysis of form, fixtures, underlying statistics, and that all-important eye test, we’ve identified a quintet of players who, frankly, have overstayed their welcome. It’s time to be ruthless, to free up those precious funds, and to reshape your team for the challenges ahead. Let’s talk about the five players you absolutely have to dump before Gameweek 13.
The Fading Favourites: When Potential Isn’t Enough
It’s easy to get attached to players who promise so much. We see their highlight reels, we recall their explosive seasons, and we invest in their potential. But FPL is a cruel mistress, demanding consistent returns. Sometimes, even the most talented individuals can find themselves in a slump, or plagued by the recurring nightmare of the physio room. Two prominent names from our list epitomize this conundrum.
Eberechi Eze: The Crystal Palace Maestro Losing His Rhythm
Eberechi Eze, for all his undeniable flair and the moments of magic he can conjure, has become a significant headache for many FPL managers. His price tag, reflecting his ability to turn a game on its head, demands consistent attacking returns – goals and assists that directly translate to FPL points. However, as we approach Gameweek 13, his output has simply not justified that investment.
Whether it’s a string of tough fixtures, a slight dip in individual form, or perhaps an underlying niggle we’re not fully privy to, Eze’s influence in the final third has waned. His expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) numbers have been trending downwards, and the eye test confirms a player who, while still trying, isn’t quite hitting the heights we know he can. Holding onto Eze now feels like waiting for a lottery win when there are more reliable, consistent dividend payers available at a similar or even lower price point. It’s a painful transfer, I know, but sometimes you have to cut ties with quality when it’s not performing.
Reece James: The Glass Cannon Defender
Ah, Reece James. A Rolls-Royce of a right-back when fit and firing, capable of incredible attacking hauls with his surging runs, pinpoint crosses, and long-range thunderbolts. The problem, as many an FPL manager will attest, is that ‘when fit and firing’ has become an increasingly rare state for the Chelsea man. His injury record has been a recurring nightmare, not just for him but for those who bravely (or perhaps foolishly) invest in him.
By Gameweek 13, it’s clear the fitness issues are still a significant concern. He might get a cameo, he might start one game, only to be withdrawn or miss the next two. This unpredictability, coupled with his premium defender price, makes him an absolute FPL killer. Every transfer you make should aim to maximize minutes and points; James, unfortunately, has become the antithesis of this strategy. Holding him means burning a transfer eventually or accepting a non-playing slot in your starting XI far too often. It’s time to move on to a defender who can guarantee you those precious 90 minutes, even if they don’t possess James’s stratospheric ceiling.
The Underperformers: Beyond the Big Names
It’s not just the high-profile players who can become dead weight. Sometimes, it’s the ones we bring in for their perceived value, or the ones who had a hot start and have since cooled considerably. FPL demands a constant churn of talent, an unwavering focus on current form and future prospects.
The Overpriced Midfielder: A Shadow of Their Former Self
Every season, there’s that mid-price midfielder who bursts onto the scene, perhaps with a couple of unexpected goals or assists in the opening weeks. They become a popular differential, and many of us jump on board, hoping to ride the wave. However, as we hit Gameweek 13, Player X has become a cautionary tale. Their initial returns have dried up entirely, their underlying stats are abysmal, and they’re often being substituted early or even finding themselves on the bench.
The initial hype has given way to cold, hard reality: they were a flash in the pan. The premium you paid for their early form is now completely unjustified. Holding onto them is not just preventing you from getting points from that specific slot, but also tying up valuable funds that could be invested in a proven performer or a new differential with better prospects. Don’t let sentiment, or the memory of those early points, cloud your judgment. It’s time to cut your losses.
The Blanking Forward: When Goals Dry Up
Strikers live and die by their goals in FPL. It’s their primary currency. When a forward, especially one in the mid-to-premium price bracket, goes on a significant goal drought, alarm bells should be ringing. Our fourth player to consider dumping is a striker who, despite ample playing time, has consistently blanked over the past several gameweeks. Let’s call him Striker Y.
Perhaps his team’s creative output has suffered, or perhaps he’s simply lacking confidence in front of goal. Whatever the reason, if a forward isn’t scoring or assisting, they’re draining your FPL points. A striker who offers nothing but a solitary two points for 90 minutes is a luxury you cannot afford, especially when there are other forwards in the league who are consistently finding the back of the net or offering better all-around attacking threat for a similar price. The opportunity cost here is simply too high.
The Faltering Defender: No Clean Sheets, No Attacking Threat
Finally, we turn our attention to the backline. Defender Z was perhaps brought in as a budget enabler or from a team that looked defensively solid early on. However, as we approach the business end of the first half of the season, their team’s defensive solidity has vanished into thin air. Clean sheets are a distant memory, and any attacking returns (assists, goals) have been non-existent.
A defender who consistently concedes and offers nothing going forward is an anchor on your FPL team. Every gameweek, you’re looking at a maximum of two points, maybe one bonus point if they’re lucky. This is not how you climb the ranks. There are always defenders in improving teams, those with a good run of fixtures, or even budget options who offer a surprising attacking threat. Don’t be afraid to reshuffle your backline when the clean sheet bonus disappears and the attacking returns never materialise. It’s a straightforward points swap waiting to happen.
Making the Smart Move: Transfer Strategy for GW13
So, you’ve identified the deadwood. The next step is decisive action. FPL isn’t about being sentimental; it’s about being strategic. Freeing up funds from these underperformers allows you to target players with better form, stronger fixtures, or a higher ceiling for explosive points returns. Consider upcoming fixture swings for various teams, delve into underlying statistics like expected goal involvement (xGI), and always keep an eye on manager comments regarding injuries and rotations.
Remember, a good transfer isn’t just about bringing in a new player; it’s also about making the tough call to let go of an underperforming asset. Sometimes, the best attack is a good defense – defending your FPL rank by ruthlessly culling those who aren’t pulling their weight. Don’t let yourself fall behind because of misplaced loyalty or a fear of making a mistake. The biggest mistake is inaction.
The Road Ahead: Embrace the Evolution
Gameweek 13 isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to prune the weaker branches of your squad and cultivate a stronger, more resilient team capable of navigating the busy festive period and beyond. The FPL season is long, full of twists and turns, and your squad needs to evolve with it.
Don’t dwell on past transfer regrets or the points these players might have scored early on. Focus on the present and the future. Make these tough calls now, and you’ll find your team in a much stronger position as we head deeper into the 2025/26 campaign. Good luck with your transfers, and may your arrows be green!
