This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
Screaming Eagles
Don't look now, but there are a growing number of reasons to invest in Crystal Palace's attack. Jason Puncheon and Dwight Gayle have already combined for four goals and two assists since Alan Pardew's appointment as manager. I previously lauded that the Eagles would be sorely missing Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak while on international duties. It appears, however, that they don't and will only become more attractive in FPL formats once everyone does return. Gayle, in particular, has been in scintillating form; his three goals and one assist since Pardew's appointment is a production level that will not continue, but it's encouraging that forwards in the Palace starting XI are producing.
Best-Value Midfielder
A cheaper option to Cesc Fabregas and Gylfi Sigurdsson is James Ward-Prowse. The young Englishman, who has missed most of the season due to injury, has four assists in his past five games. With both Eljero Elia and Dusan Tadic playing very well, one can only assume that when Graziano Pelle returns to form, it would leave plenty of assist opportunities for Ward-Prowse. He's definitely worth consideration.
Pulis Power
Two straight clean sheets for Pulis and the Baggies. Andre Wisdom, in particular, has looked like a potential dual-threat. The former Liverpool defender has not provided an offensive output yet, but the opportunity is there. The prices for all West Brom defenders are rising rapidly, so get the profit while you still can.
The Rooney Experiment is Not Working
Wayne Rooney has one shot attempt from inside the penalty area in the past four weeks. The experiment of having Rooney play deeper with Angel di Maria up front is not working for either player. January is going to be an interesting month to monitor for all FPL owners who invested in any of the Red Devils' frontline players.
All They Need is One
Christian Benteke and Graziano Pelle are second and seventh in the Premier League in shots from inside the penalty area. The fact that they are not scoring is temporary given that opportunity. If their prices continue to drop, consider buying low on these struggling strikers.
