Is it time to let Erling Haaland go? A bizarre notion for some, yet a compelling debate for others. With his FPL price tag higher than a Premier League manager’s transfer wishlist and mixed recent performances, many managers are feeling the itch to sell. But is that really the best move? Let’s break it down.
The Case for Keeping Haaland: A Goal-Scoring Machine
Shooting Stats That Can’t Be Ignored
Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. He has 43 shots with 39 inside the box, both league-leading figures. And when it comes to high-quality opportunities, he’s had 14 big chances this season—comfortably topping the list for the most likely to score. His goal conversion rate of 25.6% is impressive, especially given his high shot volume. These stats highlight that no one else can match his goal threat. (Stats taken from official Premier League website.)
Despite the perceived “dip,” Haaland still leads the Premier League’s top scorer chart. This is important in FPL because his consistency is the bedrock of his value. We all know he has the power to hit double digits any week, making it risky to remove him, especially if he starts converting those big chances at an even higher rate.
Fix? Almost
Sure, City’s upcoming fixtures are tougher on paper, with an average Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) of 3.4, the highest among premium players. But even in tough matches, Haaland’s goal-scoring potential is evergreen. Just one City fixture (Crystal Palace away) is rated below 3 in difficulty over the next eight games. Given Haaland’s knack for popping up in big moments, it’s not unreasonable to believe he could score despite challenging fixtures.
The Case a Pricey Investment with a One-Dimensional Focus
Lack of Creativity and FPL Points for Midfielders
Haaland’s stats on assists aren’t exactly flattering. He’s managed just five key passes and created only one big chance all season, making him the least creative of the premium players. Unlike midfielders who also earn extra points for goals and clean sheets, Haaland doesn’t contribute much in terms of FPL assists, which limits his point ceiling.
Players like Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer offer far more all-round potential; Palmer and Saka, for instance, have created a whopping 20 key passes each. With these alternatives, you’re not just banking on goals but also points from assists and clean sheets, a boost that could add up over time in ways Haaland can’t match.
A “No Haaland” Team is Looking Good
Ditching Haaland gives you the freedom to explore a new structure, investing in two or even three premium midfielders with high goal involvement. Imagine a team where you replace Haaland’s price with Salah, Saka, and Palmer in midfield, or stack up on premium defenders like Gabriel or Josko Gvardiol. Up front, you could look at cheaper forwards who have easier fixtures, such as Matheus Cunha (with a fantastic FDR average of 2.0) or Chris Wood, both of whom are enjoying goal-scoring form.
So, Should You Keep or Sell?
Ultimately, it’s your FPL strategy and tolerance for risk. Selling Haaland opens up options for a more versatile team, potentially with a wider points base from midfielders who can offer returns in goals, assists, and clean sheets. But holding onto him means banking on his innate goal-scoring capacity, which is unmatched even if he’s just slightly off-peak form.
For the risk-averse, holding onto Haaland might be the safer bet, given his goal record and continued opportunities. But for those looking to spice up their FPL squad, selling Haaland offers a tantalizing path to building a more balanced team that may just come out on top in the long run.