Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is struggling for form. The Reds’ striker has scored just 12 points in three Fantasy Premier League gameweeks. Firmino has averaged 172 FPL points a season in his last three years with Liverpool. His slow start could prevent him from reaching that average this season.
While Firmino is struggling, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has risen to the occasion. The striker was gameweek 3’s Player of the Week with 16 points. Mitrovic scored two goals and added an assist in Fulham’s 4-2 win.
Mitrovic played just 89 minutes of Premier League football last season with Newcastle before Rafael Benitez loaned him to Fulham. There, he helped the Cottagers reach the Premier League. Mitrovic may have finally found his footing in the top-flight as FPL managers wonder if his fine form with continue.
Roberto Firmino out?
According to FPL’s homepage, Firmino has been sold by more than 124,000 managers. His slow start can certainly be a cause for alarm. Firmino scored 15 goals and added eight assists last term.
FPL managers should have patience with the Brazilian. He spent the summer at the World Cup and is having difficulty finding his shooting boots in the early part of the season.
Firmino has tallied two assists despite no goals being fired. In addition, he has been a part of three Liverpool clean sheets. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp isn’t one to drop Firmino as he likes the player’s work ethic. Therefore, Firmino will get chances and should come good.
Aleksandar Mitrovic in?
Over 291,000 FPL managers have bought Mitrovic this week, as gameweek 3’s 16 point performance influenced his purchase. But will it continue? Mitrovic managed a goal against Tottenham in gameweek 2 thanks to his bullying, relentless play which shows he can score against the big boys.
Fulham have a tricky run of games upcoming. Brighton are up next followed by a week off due to the UEFA Nations League.
Mitrovic will then face Manchester City away. A game no FPL manager will want to pick the striker for. Watford and Everton will follow, and both will give Fulham trouble thanks to red-hot starts.
Conclusion: Roberto Firmino or Aleksandar Mitrovic?
It is easy to say Firmino should be ousted in favour of Mitrovic. However, Firmino has shown over the long haul that he can produce week in, week out in the Premier League. Mitrovic is still convincing managers he can play at the Premier League level. He has a hot hand, but it may cool in the coming gameweeks.
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