As the festive period approaches and the FPL landscape shifts with every passing gameweek, we find ourselves staring down the barrel of GW15. It’s that pivotal point in the season where tough decisions become unavoidable. The players we once championed, the budget gems we thought were set to explode, or even the mid-priced maestros who promised consistent returns – some of them have simply run their course. We’ve all been there: clinging onto a player out of loyalty, hoping for that one big haul, only to see our rank slowly but surely dip.
Well, enough is enough. GW15 is the time for ruthless efficiency, for cutting ties with underperformers, and for freeing up those precious funds and squad spots. It’s not about being disloyal; it’s about adapting, strategizing, and ensuring your Fantasy Premier League team is primed for success in the crucial weeks ahead. Let’s talk about some of the players who, despite their earlier promise, are now firmly on the chopping block.
The FPL Fog: When Form and Fixtures Turn Sour
There’s a familiar FPL dilemma that plagues managers every season: holding onto a player because of what they *could* do, rather than what they *are* doing. This can be particularly damaging when their team’s form dips, their fixtures take a turn for the worse, or their individual output simply isn’t justifying their price tag anymore. It’s a common pitfall, and for GW15, several players fit this bill, demanding a swift exit from our squads.
Let’s kick things off with a player many might have brought in as a promising differential, but who has perhaps failed to deliver: Morgan Rogers. Hailed for flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, or perhaps as a budget enabler when his club had a favourable run, Rogers has increasingly become an FPL liability. Whether it’s due to inconsistent minutes, a lack of end product, or simply being overshadowed by teammates, his FPL points per game average likely isn’t cutting it anymore. The opportunity cost of keeping him in your squad, especially when there are other active, attacking midfielders available at similar price points, is just too high. It’s time to admit that the dream isn’t materialising as hoped, and those funds can be better deployed elsewhere.
Then there’s the curious case of Joao Pedro. A player who often excites with his skill and potential, but whose FPL returns have been… frustrating, to say the least. Perhaps he’s been battling a niggle, leading to reduced minutes, or maybe he’s been deployed in a deeper role that stifles his attacking threat. Alternatively, his club might be in a tough patch, struggling to create clear-cut chances. Whatever the reason, if Pedro isn’t consistently starting and delivering attacking returns, he becomes a luxury most FPL teams simply can’t afford. In a forward line where every point counts, holding onto a striker who delivers sporadic cameos or doesn’t consistently find the back of the net is a drain on your overall points potential. He might have a burst of form in the future, but for GW15, patience is wearing thin.
The Fading Spark: Mid-Priced Assets Losing Their Edge
The middle price bracket is often where we find our season-makers – those players who deliver excellent value for money. But it’s also where the biggest disappointments can lie, especially when a player who once looked like a great pick starts to fade. Their price tag might still suggest value, but their actual output screams bench fodder. These are the players who need to be eyed with the most scrutiny ahead of GW15, because their continued presence can genuinely stagnate your team’s growth.
Consider Odsonne Edouard. Early in the season, he might have bagged a couple of goals, suggesting he was finally ready to be the consistent FPL striker managers craved. But often, his returns dry up. His club’s form can be streaky, and if they’re not creating chances regularly, or if Edouard himself isn’t clinical enough when the opportunities arise, he quickly becomes an expensive placeholder. You might be holding onto him hoping for that classic “FPL punt” to pay off, but GW15 is too late for wishful thinking. With potentially tougher fixtures looming for his club, and other forwards demonstrating more consistent form, it’s a clear signal that it’s time to move on.
Similarly, we need to talk about players like Gustavo Hamer. Often picked up as a budget-friendly midfielder from a newly promoted side, Hamer might have initially offered a decent floor with his all-action style, racking up bonus points or even the odd assist/goal. However, as the season progresses, the reality of the Premier League can hit hard for these teams. If his club is consistently losing, and his FPL points are primarily coming from defensive actions rather than attacking returns, his value diminishes rapidly. He’s taking up a valuable midfield slot that could go to someone with a higher ceiling, a better fixture run, or simply more reliable attacking contributions. Don’t let sentimental value or that early season promise blind you to the fact that his FPL purpose might have expired.
Defensive Dilemmas and Unjustified Roster Spots
Finally, we turn our attention to the backline. Defenders are crucial for clean sheet points and occasional attacking returns, but if they’re not delivering either, or if their minutes are becoming precarious, they’re prime candidates for the transfer list. In FPL, every slot counts, and a defender who isn’t performing is essentially a wasted opportunity.
Enter Malo Gusto. For a period, he might have been a fantastic pick, perhaps covering for an injured teammate and delivering excellent value. But if the regular starter is back, or if his club’s defensive solidity has completely evaporated, then Gusto’s FPL appeal takes a significant hit. Managers might be clinging on hoping for another clean sheet, or for attacking output that simply isn’t materialising amidst team chaos. If his minutes are becoming a rotation risk, or if his team is leaking goals regularly, then the occasional assist isn’t enough to justify his cost and the squad spot he occupies. It’s about being pragmatic: if your defender isn’t getting clean sheets, isn’t getting attacking returns, and isn’t guaranteed to play 90 minutes, it’s a clear sign that a transfer is due.
Ultimately, FPL success hinges on constant vigilance and the willingness to make tough calls. Holding onto these five players – Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, Odsonne Edouard, Gustavo Hamer, and Malo Gusto – out of hope rather than evidence, is a luxury few managers can afford. GW15 is the perfect juncture to clean house, free up funds, and pivot towards players who are in form, have favourable fixtures, or offer a clearer path to consistent points. Don’t let past promises dictate your future success. Be bold, be ruthless, and set your FPL team up for a strong finish to the year. Good luck with your transfers, and here’s to a green arrow!
