POWER RANKINGS 2016/17: FPL Gameweek's 14-15
Over the course of the season The Hype Train is taking a look into the standards and expectations of each team in the form of a Power Rankings system. The following is based on the research, opinion, and form of players and teams in the Premier league. This respective look at a game played by over three million players isn't perfect, and is a perfect avenue for further discussion on our Social Media accounts. Without further delay let’s take a look from the high flyers to the cesspoolers after Gameweek 14 and prior to Gameweek 15. All aboard.
POWER RANKINGS PARAMETERS
Goal Threat: High - Medium - Low
Clean Sheet Potential: High - Medium - Low
FPL Points Returns: Reliable - Semi-consistent - Inconsistent
FPL Form: High - Medium - Low
Any in-form players?: Player Names
Next 5 Fixtures: Great - Good - Questionable - Very Questionable - Terrible
We've teamed up with our good friend over at @fplbet, who run an equally as beautiful Power Rankings, though their analysis is tailored towards individual player performances. You can check our their Gameweek 15 rankings by clicking here, or viewing their tweet below. Through our updated team rankings you'll be able to view the best Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards, in the FPL, alongside our own analysis.
1) CHELSEA
Previous Power Rankings Position: 1/20 (Non-mover)
Goal Threat: High
Clean Sheet Potential: High
FPL Points Returns: Reliable
FPL Form: High
Any in-form players?: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Alonso, Pedro, Hazard, Costa
Next 5 Fixtures: WBA (h), SUN (a), CRY (a), BOU (H), STK (h)
Chelsea keep their spot at the top, and that wasn’t really going to change having just beat Tottenham and Man City in consecutive matches. It’s you judge a team’s potential by their fixture list, then Chelsea have the absolute best run in of games. Realistically they should win all five games quite comfortably and cement their position at the half way mark of the season as the team to beat and potential Champions elect.
2) Arsenal
Previous Power Rankings Position: 4/20 (+2)
Goal Threat: High
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Reliable
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott
Next 5 Fixtures: STK (h), EVE (a), MCI (a), WBA (h), CRY (h)
The Gunners have won their last 2 games comfortably against Bournemouth and West Ham, with Alexis Sanchez managing a massive 37 points. Arsenal are pacing along well for Fantasy players, especially those with
One down for the Gunners is their lack of clean sheets. It’s now been five games without keeping the ball out of Cech’s net, with their last clean sheet coming against Boro in Gameweek 9’s 0-0 draw.
3) Spurs
Previous Power Rankings Position: 4/20 (Non-mover)
Goal Threat: High
Clean Sheet Potential: High
FPL Points Returns: Reliable
FPL Form: High
Any in-form players?: Kane, Eriksen, Son
Next 5 Fixtures: MUN (a), HUL (h), BUR (h), SOU (a), WAT (a)
Since returning from injury Harry Kane has managed 36 points from his 4 games, with 5 goals and 8 bonus points to boot. For the first time this season the Spurs midfield look dangerous, with Alli, Eriksen, and Son, all looking like valuable options heading into home ties against Hull and Burnley.
The defenders of the team finally picked up another clean sheet, on the sixth time of asking, and Toby Alderweireld is getting quickly back into contention… But for how long with a rumoured release clause in his contract?
4) LIVERPOOL
Previous Power Rankings Position: 2/20 (-2)
Goal Threat: High
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Reliable
FPL Form: High
Any in-form players?: Mane, Emre Can, Karius
Next 5 Fixtures: WHU (h), MID (a), EVE (a), STK (h), MCI (h)
A few weeks ago Liverpool were riding high at the top of the Power Rankings. The trio of Coutinho, Mane, and Firmino looked unstoppable, but a matter of weeks has changed the complexion of the Merseyside club. Coutinho’s injured, Firmino’s role is unclear and his points potential slightly damaged (especially when rumoured to have a knock himself). The big winner in the team has been Mane, now the biggest FPL earner of Liverpool. Emre Can’s FPL output has also been surprising, managing 30 points from his last 5 games, with 3 goals and an assist.
Aside from the 4-3 defeat against Bournemouth, when Matip is playing, the defence is assured and the Reds have picked up 3 clean sheets since November, which is a good haul for a side that in recent history has had a bad track record with shutting the back door.
5) WEST BROM
Previous Power Rankings Position: 7/20 (+2)
Goal Threat: Medium to High
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium to Higgh
FPL Points Returns: Semi-reliable
FPL Form: Good
Any in-form players?: Phillips, Rondon, Brunt, McAuley
Next 5 Fixtures: CHE (a), SWA (h), MUN (h), ARS (a), SOU (a)
West Brom have only lost 2 of their last 10 games, with losses against Liverpool and Man City in succession for GW9 and GW10. Aside from those 2 defeats it’s been 4 wins and 4 draws, but just one clean sheet. It’s been at the other end of the pitch that West Brom have excelled. Matt Phillips has been on exceptional form as of late, even earning a Player of the Month nomination. Nacer Chadli’s is back from injury, and up top Rondon is proving difficult to handle, even though that’s not reflected in his FPL points from the last 5 games.
One downside is their fixture list, which might make the majority of FPL players nervous. For now though the Baggies are riding high, and make the top 5 of our Power Rankings, and deservedly so.
6) MAN CITY
Previous Power Rankings Position: 5/20 (-1)
Goal Threat: High
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Inconsistent
Any in-form players?: KDB
Next 5 Fixtures: LEI (a), WAT (h), ARS (h), HUL (a), LIV (a)
When we evaluate or comment on Man City, and this has been the case for the majority of the season now, there is a definite negative presence that lingers above their new club crest. Pep’s arrival was supposed to mean an assured domination of the league, winning every game comfortably, and providing the platform for City’s big hitters such as Aguero to score 50+ goals in a season. Perhaps the mainstream media are a glue for Man City, propping up their appeal because Pep’s more interesting to talk about than a lowly league manager like Mike Phelan. In the interest of keeping Man City in the aura of being title contenders, and one of the top teams in the league, a frightening mystique is being made of the team in blue, but that is far away from the reality.
City’s media built mystique has been crumbled time and again, not just in the Premier League, but in the Champions League also. Chelsea were the latest to dismantle the notion that Pep is the be all and end all of manager interest in the league. Middlesbrough and Southampton made City look dead average, and City made them look amateur and rife with indiscipline. They lost to Chelsea, so have been dropped below an in-form West Brom, and some of our Hype Team wanted City lower in the table.
Aguero’s indiscipline has finally boiled over. He’s been picking up yellow cards in growing fashion, and boiled over the edge when inaffective (yet again) in a league match. Yaya’s comeback has simmered as has Gundogan’s, speaking from the FPL sense, leaving just Kevin de Bruyne as the standout City option.
It’ll be a few interesting weeks for City, and if they continue to faulter, we’ll bring the hammer down on them in the Power Rankings. They’ve gotten off easy in our estimation.
7) BOURNEMOUTH
Previous Power Rankings Position: 11/20 (+4)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Inconsistent
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Smith, Wilson, Cook, Ake Fraser
Next 5 Fixtures: BUR (a), LEI (h), SOU (h), CHE (a), SWA (a)
Bournemouth’s game of hot potato cold potato in the FPL continues, with their points hard to predict. Liverpool’s visit was supposed to be an easy win for the Reds, but ultimately was a nightmare for the Reds, as Bournemouth blew them out of the water I the second half. Points from established options – Cook and Wilson – were complemented by Fraser’s arrival, and Ake’s sudden emergency. At worst, a defender in your team is a good option – cheap, rotatable and with the potential to score points at both ends of the pitch.
In terms of transfers in the game, Nathan Ake is a serious option. Venturing forward at every given chance, he’s proving to be an opportunist in the penalty area and has profited with 2 goals in recent weeks.
There are some big movers at the back in @fplbet's rankings, including Bournemouth's Nathan Ake. You can see below for more and click here or on the image to read more.
8) SUNDERLAND
Previous Power Rankings Position: 10/20 (+2)
Goal Threat: Medium to High
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Reliable (in Defoe)
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Defoe, Anichebe, Pickford
Next 5 Fixtures: SWA (a), CHE (h), WAT (h), MUN (a), BUR (a)
Sunderland boss David Moyes has just help lift the side to 3 victories from their last 4 matches, with a sole defeat away at Liverpool the clubs only recent slip. At the tip of the spear for Sunderland in the FPL is of course Jermain Defoe, who has been a big factor why Sunderland have trailed out of the Power Rankings relegation zone, and safely into the top half of the table.
In Defoe, Sunderland have assured points. In Anichebe they’ve an explosive wildcard. In Pickford they’ve potentially this season’s Jack Butland (save points to the extreme). In PVA they’ve the occasional goal and big return…The core of what we’re saying is that Sunderland have legitimate options in the game, but for the next 5 games, it may be best to rotate any Blacck Cats asset you may have. They’ve some tricky ties that could see Defoe and co isolated.
9) SOUTHAMPTON
Previous Power Rankings Position: 6/20 (-3)
Goal Threat: Medium to High
Clean Sheet Potential: High
FPL Points Returns: Semi-Reliable
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Austin, van Dijk
Next 5 Fixtures: MID (h), STK (a), BOU (a), TOT (h), WBA (h)
Hit and a miss, hit and a miss, hit and a miss, that’s been the story of Southampton in recent weeks if you’re looking at their fortune from an FPL point of view. Charlie Austin, their man main, is managing a goal every other game, whilst their defenders who have been reliable up until this point, look like they could potentially wain in a period when their Xmas fixtures are actually quite good.
The Saints stay above Everton in the Power Rankings due to their potential to score points in this period. Whereas Lukaku looks like he’ll never have another shot at goal, Southampton can be dangerous on occasion.
10) EVERTON
Previous Power Rankings Position: 8/20 (-2)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Inconsistent
FPL Form: Low
Any in-form players?: N/A
Next 5 Fixtures: WAT (a), ARS (h), LIV (h), LEI (a), HUL (a)
Everton slide in the Power Rankings for a third time on the spin after another unconvincing home draw, this time against Ma United. There’s a dangerous habit appearing at Everton, a hoodoo that Roberto Martinez found out last season, and one that Ronald Koeman has quickly fallen into this campaign. Everton are trying to break the glass ceiling, but just can’t break through, and it looks likes they’ll only accomplish this after a few seasons with the Dutchman in charge, and almost certainly without Romelu Lukaku.
Everton in the FPL are a definite no-go right now. They’re not scoring enough, conceding in every game, and their Fantasy options are either off-form or injured (Coleman, Bolasie, and forever Baines). They’ve a fixture list that doesn’t excite you into making transfers either. Avoid, for now.
11) MAN UNITED
Previous Power Rankings Position: 12/20 (+1)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Inconsistent
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Ibrahimovic
Next 5 Fixtures: TOT (h), CRY (a), WBA (a), SUN (h), MID (h)
It’s ok to be sceptical of Man United this season. They’ve lumbered and disappointed as most knew they would. It was and still is impossible to live up to the mantra of a living deity, as per the coverage of Mourinho in the press suggests. United can’t lock down games, and that is such a factor that the already nervous FPL player just can’t stomach on a week to week basis. We’re looking for certainties and guarantees that our chosen players are going to perform.
Zlatan is the only United player over 50 points this season, and has managed 4 goals in his last 3 games, and with Palace, West Brom, Sunderland, Boro, and West Ham on the horizon, there’s a readymade replacement for the suspended Aguero for the Xmas period. Zlatan’s got the potential, but we’re not sure on what’s around him. United will be entering a dogfight over Xmas, and won’t be as easy as the fixtures suggest.
12) CRYSTAL PALACE
Previous Power Rankings Position: 17/20 (+5)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Inconsistent
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Zaha, Benteke
Next 5 Fixtures: HUL (a), MUN (h), CHE (h), WAT (a), ARS (a)
Palace managed a first league win since Gameweek 6’s 3-2 victory away at Sunderland. The 3-0 triumph over Southampton provided some landmarks, with Benteke scoring his first goals at home, and a first clean sheet of the season. It’s been a few good weeks for the Belgian forward, and a good season of Zaha’s obvious potential. Palace rise up the table, and we hope that they don’t abuse the importance of the victory, because their run in is something quite tricky over the Xmas period.
If Palace are to be a Premier League team next season, picking up points in their next 5 games is absolutely necessary. United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, await in the next 5, but we don’t fancy them to get any points from those, even though we think Zaha and Benteke are worth an inclusion into your Fantasy sides.
Benteke's also a big climber in @fplbet's rankings. You can see below for more and click here or on the image to read more.
13) SWANSEA CITY
Previous Power Rankings Position: 15/20 (+2)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Low to Medium
Any in-form players?: Sigurdsson, Llorente
Next 5 Fixtures: SUN (h), WBA (a), MID (a), West Ham (h), Bournemouth (h)
If there’s a better example of the Premier League being tit for tat this season, Swansea’s last 2 games will need trumping. After a back and forth with Crystal Palace, Swansea won a Premier League classic 5-4, but then the very next weekend were outclassed 5-0 by Spurs at White Hart Lane. To top this off, despite playing quite well in recent weeks, Swansea find themselves rooted at the bottom of the table. It’s not all doom and gloom for Bob Bradley. January is just around the corner, but to get there he’s got 6 winnable matches that’ll define Swansea’s season.
FPL players are hoping for some good fortune, especially in the form of Gylfi Sigurdsson, who is an essential acquisition for games against Sunderland, West Brom, Boro, West Ham, Bournemouth, and Palace. The Iceland international is the heartbeat of the main squad and is central to everything they are doing, even playing in the false 9 position, pretty much doing whatever he wants in an effort to get Swansea the vital points they need. For a team at the bottom of the league, we are at ease over Gylfi’s potential to bring home the points.
The Swans rise in the Power Rankings due to their potential and their points output in the 5-4 win over Palace.
14) STOKE CITY
Previous Power Rankings Position: 13/20 (-1)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Grant
Next 5 Fixtures: ARS (a), SOU (h), LEI (h), Liverpool (a), Chelsea (a)
We’re a little lost for words regarding Stoke in the FPL currently, because there’s not a lof of analysis to be had. Their key players are inconsistent point scorers, Joe Allen’s appeal has completely waned, and their defenders, despite have a convincing clean sheet at home to Burnley, look like it’ll be a shut out to savour as they’ve got a complicated run of fixtures.
If there’s one team to pose a problem for the big boys, it’s Stoke. They’ll be directly opposing the mass of Alexis Sanchez owners, hoping for a third weekend of Fantasy brilliance, but with the right approach at the Emirates, it could be a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal.
Stoke drop again in the Power Rankings due to their ineffectiveness and current irrelevance in the game (for now). But there is one man who hasn't gone without merit...
Of vital importance in @fplbet's rankings is Stoke's shot stopper Lee Grant. You can see below for more and click here or on the image to read more.
15) MIDDLESBROUGH
Previous Power Rankings Position: 16/20 (+1)
Goal Threat: Low
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Inconsistent
FPL Form: Medium
Any in-form players?: Gibson, Valdes, Ramirez
Next 5 Fixtures: SOU (a), LIV (h), SWA (h), BUR (a), MUN (a)
Middlesbrough, as we predicted in this week’s Weekly Wildcards article, would pick up the easiest clean sheet of the season. Hull’s inability to find the back of the net is matched only by their injuries. Boro made hard work of Hull, but most importantly continued being hard to beat. Gaston Ramirez proved a match winner again, so it was a good night for Boro and they rise in the Power Rankings.
What’ll be interesting is to see how they get on with the Xmas fixtures, with Southampton, Liverpool, and United to come. Karanka’s men have been proving hard to beat and if there’s one FPL option we’d suggest, it’s obviously in their defenders or Valdez.
16) WATFORD
Previous Power Rankings Position: 9/20 (-7)
Goal Threat: Low
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Inconsistent
FPL Form: Low
Any in-form players?: Deeney
Next 5 Fixtures: EVE (h), MCI (a), SUN (a), CRY (h), TOT (h)
The biggest droppers in the Power Rankings this week are Watford. Falling a massive 7 places, Watford haven’t been keeping the clean sheets or playing with the defensive steel that we’d been accustomed with in recent weeks. Holebas’s points have dried up, and Capoue’s becoming less reliable by the hour. The only plus is 3 home games in the next 5. Watford can still be dangerous at home, they just need to find that form.
Troy Deeney, one of our favourite players in the FPL from last season, has now gone 7 games without scoring, but has managed 2 assists from his last 3 games. He’s one goal shy of lucky number 100 for Watford, and with the form Everton are in, it might very well be the weekend for Deeney to break the goal scoring duck.
17) WEST HAM
Previous Power Rankings Position: 18/20 (+1)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Low
Any in-form players?: N/A
Next 5 Fixtures: LIV (a), BUR (h), HUL (h), SWA (a), LEI (a)
We bet you’re thinking that we’re crazy right? Well that’s exactly what I thought when asking @TheHypeTrainPJ why on earth he thought West Ham were merited a rise in the Power Rankings. The point is simple, even if it doesn’t reflect their FPL form, the Hammers do have potential. Whereas Leicester, Hull, and Burnley, are offering very little, due to injury, suspension, and rotation, West Ham have a genuine chance of improving over the short term. The last difficult fixture on the horizon for the Hammers, as their fixtures have been ridiculously difficult, is away at Liverpool. We expect them to get beat at Anfield, but then it’s time for redemption.
Just like Spurs, West Ham will play Burnley and Hull at home in a row – the ideal fixtures for a Payet, Lanzini, Ayew, or Carroll, to be major differentials for your FPL team. Pinning hopes on West Ham is a dangerous game, but one that may provide a short term yield leading into the New Year. The team haven’t been playing bad so to speak, they’ve just had a bit of this ‘Man United Fever# going around – not getting the end result that they think is rightfully theirs.
That, or the Hammers are getting relegated this season. It’s definitely a possibility.
18) LEICESTER
Previous Power Rankings Position: 19/20 (+1)
Goal Threat: Medium
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Low
Any in-form players?: Mahrez
Next 5 Fixtures: MCI (h), BOU (a), STK (a), EVE (h), WHU (h)
Could Leicester and West Ham get relegated this season? Just imagine the tale. One, the Premier League Champions, just a year away the most improbable title win in sporting history, slumped into the second division (and potentially as Champions League winners)! The other is a growing London club having just moved from their historic home into the Olympic Stadium from London 2012, the site of one of the best Olympic games in history, now marred with socioeconomic issues, such as funding issues and growing crowd trouble due to said financial issues. Both would ultimately hit the floor hard on the backs of successful seasons where they both thought the grass was greener.
After all we’re in the midst of a season that journalists would have you believe Man City and Man United have already won the title, and one where all of our fears of the season have come true - Leicester struggling, Swansea reeling after selling prime assets, Hull not being able to compete due to the ownership troubles at the club, Liverpool potentially squandering the chance at the title due to losing the odd thriller at Bournemouth, and West Ham’s transition into a new stadium.
Leicester are not providing the reliability or consistently that they found last year in the league, and this is down to more money in the Premier League, the added burden of the Champions League, and injuries that didn’t surface last season to destroy their rhythm. This has all led to a Leicester side incapable of satisfying FPL players. We don’t know who is playing at the top end of the field, and are rightfully reluctant to back those defending the goal.
They might have a great European story on the horizon, but disaster is brewing in the league.
They rise nonetheless in the Power Rankings despite losing to Sunderland, mainly due to Burnley’s fall in the FPL.
Mahrez makes the top 10 midfielders in @fplbet's rankings. You can see below for more and click here or on the image to read more.
19) BURNLEY
Previous Power Rankings Position: 14/20 (-5)
Goal Threat: Low
Clean Sheet Potential: Medium
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Low
Any in-form players?: N/A
Next 5 Fixtures: BOU (H), WHU (a), TOT (a), MID (h), SUN (h)
Burnley without Tom Heaton, is like a sandwich without bread. Heaton’s been an essential asset in the FPL this season, despite being the only reliable source. Without Heaton, Burnley continue to lose and are facing a troubling season. Their away form reeks of a side doomed for relegation and the only salvation comes at home.
That said, Burnley’s next 3 at home is Bournemouth, Boro, and Sunderland. All 3 are winnable ties, but in the FPL it is not a time to bank on the Clarets.
20) HULL CITY
Previous Power Rankings Position: 20/20 (Non-Mover)
Goal Threat: Low
Clean Sheet Potential: Low
FPL Points Returns: Unreliable
FPL Form: Low
Any in-form players?: N/A
Next 5 Fixtures: CRY (h), TOT (a), WHU (a), MCI (h), EVE (h)
Hull are this season’s Aston Villa, and even though they’ll pick up the occasional point, the only direction the club is heading is down. When faced with a Boro side fighting for their lives, the club didn’t look interested, nor did Hull possess the footballing qualities necessary to stay up in the division. It’ll take a miracle for the Tigers to stay up, which is a shame for a once hopeful club.
Hull are doomed. The end.
To conclude, here's the Power Rankings table that The Hype Team had compiled for this week heading into Gameweek 13. In brackets indicates how many places each team has risen or fallen in our Power Rankings since the last round of games.
FPL Gameweek 14-15: Power Rankings 1-20
Chelsea (Non-mover)
Arsenal (+2)
Spurs (Non-mover)
Liverpool (-2)
West Brom (+2)
Man City (-1)
Bournemouth (+4)
Sunderland (+2)
Southampton (-3)
Everton (-2)
Man United (+1)
Crystal Palace (+5)
Swansea (+2)
Stoke (-1)
Middlesbrough (+1)
Watford (-7)
West Ham (+1)
Leicester (+1)
Burnley (-5)
Hull (Non-mover)
For comparison, here’s how the Power Rankings shaped up last week from Gameweek 12 to Gameweek 13.
FPL Gameweek 12-13: Power Rankings 1-20
Chelsea (+1)
Liverpool (-1)
Spurs (+1)
Arsenal (-1)
Man City (Non-mover)
Southampton (Non-mover)
West Brom (+1)
Everton (-1)
Watford (+1)
Sunderland (+4)
Bournemouth (+2)
Man United (-3)
Stoke (-2)
Burnley (-2)
Swansea (+2)
Middlesbrough (Non-Mover)
Crystal Palace (-2)
West Ham (Non-Mover)
Leicester (Non-Mover)
Hull City (Non-Mover)
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The Hype Train is an entertainment website founded in 2015 specialising in the Fantasy Premier League (#FPL), providing beautiful graphics and weekly insight for hopeful players attempting to climb ranking tables. We are also occasional media reviewers, with a keen interest to review movies, television, live music, festivals, and any relevant topic in the public eye.
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For all FPL Gameweek build up, check out the Weekly Hype page now.
All aboard.
