Sometimes keeping big name players can cost you valuable points, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. For Game Week 10, these five FPL players underperformfacing difficult matches or battling fitness issues, making them passive rather than active. Selling them now opens up funds and venues for newer options that can generate more consistent returns. Strategic departures like these often separate mid-table managers from those fighting for the top spots.
Tijjani Reijnders (5.5m)
Reijnders is nothing like the player we saw at the start of the season. He was moved into a deeper midfield role against Aston Villa, where attacking opportunities were almost non-existent. With Erling Haaland dominating City’s forward play and a tough run of fixtures ahead, his FPL value has fallen dramatically. This seems like the right time to cash out and move on. Someone like Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr, who enjoys more freedom and better attacking numbers, seems a much more direct and lively option in that price range.
João Pedro (7.5m)
It is difficult to justify continuing to retain Joao Pedro. In his last five games, he has managed just 0.36xGI (expected goal involvement), a telling sign of how little threat he really offers. He’s not shooting, he’s not creating, and the underlying numbers back that up. In fact, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has recorded more big chances this season than Pedro in total. The upcoming games may look tempting on paper, but there’s no point holding on to a striker who simply isn’t in scoring positions. It’s time to move on before that frustration turns into lost points.
Pedro Porro (5.5m)
Last week’s rally might tempt managers to hold, but now is probably the right time to sell. Tottenham are heading into a difficult run of games where clean sheets will be scarce, and Porro’s price depends heavily on attacking performances to justify the expense. While his delivery remains dangerous, the risk of paying a premium for a defender who relies on his offensive performance in more difficult games simply doesn’t add up. If you can trade a well-priced defender with a better swing, it’s an easy decision to trade him before others do the same.
Evanilson (7m)
Evanilson’s calf problem has made him a frustrating hold, and even once fit, his place in the starting XI is uncertain. With rotation threats around him and games that do not promise high returns immediately, there is little reason to gamble on his minutes. Managers need consistency at this stage, and waiting for you to regain fitness and form feels like a waste of time. Trading him now for a forward with regular playing time and solid games in the short term seems like the smartest decision.
Virgil van Dijk (6m)
Liverpool’s defensive form has looked uncertain in recent weeks and the upcoming games hardly inspire confidence. Van Dijk remains a quality player, but from an FPL perspective the appeal is fading fast. Clean sheets seem unlikely against stronger attacking teams and, at his price, there are simply better value defenders who offer a higher ceiling. His leadership skills don’t translate into FPL points, and without consistent returns at both ends of the pitch, it’s hard to justify keeping him. Now is a sensible time to redirect funds towards a cheaper defender or invest more in midfield.
