Joao Pedro: Time to Stick or Twist in FPL?

Joao Pedro's FPL Journey So Far

As the third-most selected player in Fantasy Premier League, just behind Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been a point of contention for many FPL managers. With impressive early-season numbers that included two goals and three assists in his first four matches, his sudden dip in form has left many wondering whether to stick with him or make a tactical transfer.

Despite starting the season strong, Pedro has failed to score or assist in his last four appearances, bringing his xG (expected goals) to a meager 0.07 during that stretch. It begs the question: what's going wrong for the Brazilian?

The Case for Selling Joao Pedro

“With only two shots over the past four Gameweeks, generating a measly 0.07 xG, there is a deeper issue here in his goal output.” — Pras Singhal

According to FPL expert Pras Singhal, one of the main reasons for Pedro's decline could be due to the lack of support from a functional attack. With the Chelsea squad riddled with injuries, including a strain in their striker lineup, Pedro is pushed into a role that doesn't fit his style of play.

• Limited Chances: Pedro's role demands a more central positioning, yet his natural talent shines when he can exploit half spaces.
• Competition Heating Up: Rivals like Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Newcastle's Nick Woltemade are both delivering on a consistent basis, prompting FPL managers to consider switching targets.

The Case for Holding Onto Pedro

“At a minimum, my advice would be to hold Joao Pedro one more week versus Sunderland and then shift to Mateta if the Brazilian continues to look poor.” — Pras Singhal

Even in a challenging situation, there are compelling arguments for keeping Pedro in your lineup:

• Starting Guarantee: After receiving a red card in a recent Champions League match, Pedro will start against Sunderland, giving him a fresh opportunity to make an impact.
• Upcoming Favorable Matchups: Chelsea's upcoming fixtures against Sunderland, Tottenham, Wolves, and Burnley present ample opportunities to bounce back and deliver points.
• Potential Shift in Role: With better positioning in a more central role following Marc Guiu's substitution in Gameweek 8, Pedro could thrive once again.

The Fantasy Manager's Dilemma

The crux of the matter lies in what FPL managers value more: consistency or potential for a turnaround. If you feel confident in Chelsea's chances and in Pedro's ability to capitalize, holding may be the right call, especially with relatively easy opponents ahead.

Conversely, the envy of other players' high performances can weigh heavily on decision-making. Will you risk being left behind by holding onto an underperformer? The clock is ticking as we head towards the next FPL deadline.

Conclusion

Joao Pedro's situation is representative of the highs and lows we experience in Fantasy Premier League. As managers, we must navigate these waters with a blend of analytics and intuition. Will you stick or twist with Joao Pedro this week?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts — after all, FPL is not just about winning; it's about the journey. You can get the latest updates from the world of football by checking out the Premier League index for more insights and updates.