Stick or twist with Joao Pedro? The FPL talking point

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro is currently the third-most selected player in Fantasy Premier League, behind only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

But while that in-form pair continue to deliver, Joao Pedro's form has stagnated.

The Brazilian has failed to make a return in any of his past four games.

With that in mind, FPL expert Pras Singhal looks at the case for and against keeping the Chelsea forward this week, with the Blues set to welcome Sunderland to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Pras Singhal: At the time of writing, Joao Pedro is owned by about 58% of FPL managers. With two goals and three assists in his first four matches, this made a lot of sense. However, since then, his form has plummeted, as he has failed to score or assist in four successive outings.

Pras Singhal: With only two shots over the past four Gameweeks, generating a measly 0.07 xG, there is a deeper issue here in his goal output.

Without a fit striker, he is having to play minutes up top, which doesn't really suit his style of play – which relies on attacking half spaces.

Without Cole Palmer, the attack isn't as functional and his counterparts in Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade are both in fine form and an easy one transfer move.

Pras Singhal: Thanks to the late red card received in the Champions League against Benfica, Joao Pedro was banned for Wednesday's tie against Ajax - therefore he is pretty much guaranteed to start against Sunderland on Saturday.

Once Marc Guiu was brought on to spearhead the attack in Gameweek eight, Joao Pedro performed much better in a number 10 position, and should that pattern continue this can only improve the Brazilian's chances of attacking returns.

Chelsea have some of the best fixtures ahead - Sunderland home, Tottenham away, Wolves at home and Burnley away - all of which promise a few goals.

Moreover, Mateta is away to Arsenal this week so it isn't the best week to make the move.

At a minimum, my advice would be to hold Joao Pedro one more week versus Sunderland and then shift to Mateta if the Brazilian continues to look poor.