This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
Results are often unpredictable in the early stages of a Barclays Premier League season, as teams struggle to adjust to playing meaningful matches again and are even in the process of working their way back to full fitness in some cases. The opening weekend of the 2015/16 campaign was no different, as some of the top clubs looked quite vulnerable and struggled to impose their will on lesser opponents. In a matchweek devoid of many huge performances by household names, the accomplishments of some lesser known Fantasy Premier League commodities stood out even more. Some of these performances will turn out to be nothing more than a flash in the pan, while others are indicators of sustainable success. By that same token, some popular FPL contributors from a year ago saw their value take a hit this weekend for one reason or another. In this addition of our FPL Barometer, we will help you determine which of these players are worthy of an investment and from whom it's already time to move on.
RISING
Matteo Darmian
While his role was somewhat fluid heading into the season due to his positional versatility and the squad depth at Manchester United, Darmian solidified his position as the team's first-choice right back with an eye-catching performance against Tottenham in Matchweek 1. Darmian displayed the defensive prowess United have been lacking in that position since the retirement of Gary Neville, and he still provided a strong presence on the attacking end, facilitating possession and swinging in crosses when given the chance. The Italian is more than capable going forward, as he totaled four goals and four assists for Torino last season, and he will have the added benefit of playing along a Red Devils backline that kept 10 clean sheets in 2014/15. Darmian is expected to hold down the starting spot throughout the year and should prove to be a valuable FPL defender.
Bafetimbi Gomis
Gomis terrorized the formidable Chelsea defense in Saturday's season opener, firing off five shots and scoring the game-tying penalty after drawing a foul that earned Blues 'keeper Thibaut Courtois a red card. Gomis was overshadowed by the presence of Wilfried Bony during the first half of last season, but he came into his own after the latter was sold in January, finishing with seven goals in just 18 league starts. The Frenchman possesses the physical strength to trouble any Premier League defense, and the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Ayew will create plenty of scoring chances for him in the box. In his first full season as the go-to striker for a talented Swansea team, Gomis is poised for a productive campaign.
Marc Albrighton
Albrighton put on a stellar performance against Sunderland on Saturday, providing two assists and scoring a goal of his own in the 4-2 victory. He has shown glimpses of considerable talent in the past, but he hasn't started more than 15 matches in a Premier League season since 2010/11 when he scored five goals and added four assists as a 20-year-old for Aston Villa. Still just 25, the Englishman is thriving in his wide role with Leicester, as both of his assists came on pinpoint crosses from the flank. At a minimal price, Albrighton could provide excellent returns for his FPL owners with the likes of Leonardo Ulloa, James Vardy and Riyad Mahrez to aim for in the box.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum was exceptional in his Premier League debut against Southampton, supplying dangerous crosses from the wide areas, attempting multiple shots on target and scoring a glorious headed goal on a counter attack. The Dutchman has developed a nose for goal, as he scored 16 times in all competitions for PSV in his first full season before this summer's $22 million move to Tyneside. He has the skill and physical traits to adapt quickly to the English style of play and will have the chance to thrive as a fixture in the Newcastle lineup alongside talented attackers including Papiss Cisse, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Gabriel Obertan. At a moderate price to begin the season, Wijnaldum's fantasy value is on the rise.
FALLING
Kieran Trippier
Trippier was an FPL force last season with Burnley, when he started all 38 matches and led the league in crosses, with four assists to boot. His summer move to North London seemed to push his value to even greater heights, as he was poised to accrue more points from assists and clean sheets than he had in his days with the Clarets. However, Saturday's season opener against Manchester United presented a troubling development for Trippier's fantasy owners, as he found himself on the bench behind Kyle Walker just days after a Man of the Match performance against AC Milan. Walker scored a costly own goal in the match and has a checkered injury history, but manager Mauricio Pochettino seems content to roll with him at right back for the time being. Trippier still carries significant value in daily leagues when he does crack the starting lineup, but until he establishes himself as a regular starter, his value in season-long formats is seriously compromised.
Petr Cech
After his much-discussed transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal this summer, Cech's competitive debut for his new club against West Ham couldn't have gone much worse. He misjudged a free kick that resulted in a goal and simply failed to react to a seemingly harmless shot from outside the box on the Hammers' second goal, looking rather uncomfortable all the while. The 33-year-old spent the last decade at Stamford Bridge and seems to be in the process of adjusting to his new surroundings. There is no doubt that Cech will eventually adapt and become the FPL force that many thought he would be heading into the season, but better options are available in the meantime given the hefty price tag he commands.
Danny Ings
Ings was expected to play a reduced role after his summer transfer from Burnley with the likes of Daniel Sturridge (hip), Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino ahead of him on the depth chart. With Firmino still working his way back to full fitness and Sturridge out until October, it seemed Ings would have the chance to prove himself in league play after a strong preseason. Not only did the 23-year-old fail to crack the starting lineup in Sunday's match versus Stoke City, he failed to enter the game as a substitute either, despite the team making two changes in the second half. It appears that Ings is simply too far down in the pecking order at Liverpool to make an FPL impact at the moment, and he will carry little value until he forces his way into the lineup.
