This article is part of our FPL Barometer series.
Matchweek 15 was an excellent example of the parity that currently exists in the Premier League, as Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool all failed to secure three points, with Spurs being the only club of the bunch to even score a goal. This incident illustrates that many fantasy Premier League matchups are not as straightforward as they might seem, and that players from smaller clubs should not necessarily be avoided altogether simply because they are pitted against a tough opponent. While ignoring negative matchups can pay dividends in some cases, exploiting positive matchups remains the most straightforward way to FPL success. In this week's edition of the Fantasy Premier League Barometer, we look at some names whose recent form could be magnified by their upcoming schedule.
RISING:
Aaron Ramsey (M)
Ramsey missed over a month after sustaining a hamstring injury, but he has seemingly not missed a beat upon his return, with a goal and two assists in three starts in all competitions. The 24-year-old should see plenty of run in a box-to-box role in the coming weeks, as the Arsenal midfield has been decimated by injuries, and he has proven in the past to be a prolific source of shots and crosses from such a position. Ramsey should feature once again this weekend as Arsenal travel to take on lowly Aston Villa, and he appears to be a good bet to continue his resurgence.
Connor Wickham (F) 
Wickham has started each of Crystal Palace's last three matches after returning from a long-term injury, highlighted by a pair of assists in the demolition of Newcastle United in Matchweek 14. The 22-year-old has yet to find the net this season in just five league starts, but he should see plenty of scoring chances playing in front of the Eagles' dynamic midfield. Wickham's price should be quite low in most formats given his modest contributions from the early portion of the season, and he is an intriguing option as Palace head into what could be a pair of high-scoring affairs against Everton and Southampton.
Odion Ighalo (F)
Ighalo was labeled as a lower-cost player to watch in a much earlier addition of this article, but he has since grown into one of the most formidable scorers in the Premier League, climbing into fourth place with his ninth goal of the season last week against Norwich. The Cameroonian has formed a fruitful partnership with Troy Deeney at the head of the Watford attack, as the pair have combined for nine goals and three assists in the last six matches. Ihgalo is one of the most attractive FPL forward options in Matchweek 16, as the Hornets travel to take on perennial bottom-feeders Sunderland.
FALLING:
Joe Hart (G)
Typically one of the most steady FPL options at the goalkeeper position, Hart has hit a bit of a rough patch of late, as he has allowed nine goals in his last four starts in all competitions and has not won a Premier League match since October. The swoon has coincided with the prolonged absence of captain and defensive stalwart Vincent Kompany, as the makeshift City backline has struggled for consistency. Given Hart's typically hefty price tag and tricky upcoming fixtures against Swansea, Arsenal and Leicester City, there are better options.
Nathan Redmond (M)
Redmond exploded onto the scene this season with four goals and an assist in the first nine league matches, but he has faded of late, having been held off the scoresheet in each of the last six. The 21-year-old's role has begun to diminish in light of his recent struggles, as he has started just once since October. Redmond still carries with him a relatively low salary in many formats, but he is a shaky bet to produce even if he does crack the starting lineup for this weekend's trip to take on Manchester United.
Saido Berahino (F)
Berahino appeared to have returned to the good graces of West Brom management after he scored three times in a four-match span earlier this season, but he has returned to the bench in recent weeks, appearing as a substitute twice in November before failing to appear in both of the last two matches. The 22-year-old's lack of involvement reportedly stems from his ongoing desire to depart for another club, and it appears that he will play a minimal role until his future is determined during the upcoming transfer window. Berahino still possesses plenty of upside when he is given the minutes, but he is simply unusable until some sort of clarity is achieved.
