To Haaland or Not to Haaland: Navigating the FPL Rollercoaster and Rank Swings

Haaland. Just one name and it’s enough to divide the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) community into two camps – those with and those without. This season, Haaland owners and non-owners alike are constantly battling the ups and downs that come with either decision. In this blog, I’ll look at how this debate is shaping up, the impact on FPL rank, and whether it’s worth being brave enough to go Haaland-less for the long haul.

back of erling haaland

Image source: CaughtOffSide

The Rollercoaster of Ranks

Owning Haaland has felt like riding a high-speed rollercoaster for many. As some managers pointed out, FPL ranks have swung wildly. One manager described how they moved from 300k to 1.1 million, then back to 400k within just two weeks – an emotional whirlwind that Haaland’s performance (or lack thereof) tends to trigger.

On the flip side, non-Haaland owners have enjoyed their own surprises. One FPL manager, starting the season without Haaland, expressed disbelief at seeing green arrows and rising to the top 40k. It’s proof that avoiding Haaland, while risky, isn’t necessarily the death sentence many assume it to be.

Rank Swings: Why So Noisy?

At this point in the season, ranks are still highly volatile. One key factor here is Haaland’s extremely high ownership. Last gameweek, Haaland’s expected ownership (EO) was around 170%. This means if you don’t own him, and he hauls, you could experience a massive drop in rank – up to 2 million places, according to some estimates.

But here’s the thing: owning Haaland isn’t always a guaranteed safety net. If your squad is balanced with other premium options like Salah, Watkins, or Saka, you’re still in the game. One user even pointed out how they’re managing well without Haaland because their starting seven attackers are outperforming Haaland-based teams filled with budget players like Smith-Rowe and McNeil. These value players simply aren’t matching the consistency of higher-quality assets.

Is It Time to Jump on the Haaland Train?

The key question here: is it worth sacrificing your balanced team to fit Haaland in? One user suggested they’re leaning towards a -4 transfer to bring Haaland in for gameweek 9. With favorable fixtures, especially at home to weaker sides, Haaland could easily hit a couple of big hauls and punish non-owners. Many FPL managers have the fear of missing out (FOMO) when it comes to those explosive performances.

But making the leap to Haaland isn’t straightforward. You’ll need to make sacrifices – often downgrading two or three other players in your squad. One manager reflected on the pain of “ripping up a good squad” to make room for Haaland ahead of a juicy fixture run. It’s a decision that could backfire, especially if injuries or poor form derail your team balance.

Can You Play It Safe Without Haaland?

While having Haaland feels like the safer route due to his high ownership, there are ways to be brave and stick to your guns. Some managers are keen to play the game without Haaland for as long as possible, suggesting that success comes from targeting the right players at the right times. One strategy involves rotating your premium assets – maybe starting with Haaland for gameweeks 9-11, and then moving him out for Salah or another premium after that.

The best advice? Plan ahead. Build up your free transfers and stay flexible, especially with international breaks and potential injuries. One manager highlighted how they’ll use their three free transfers in gameweek 9 to make the big moves – whether that’s getting Haaland in or switching him out for someone else later.

Conclusion: Play Your Own Game

The great Haaland debate will likely continue for the rest of the FPL season. Both Haaland owners and non-owners can be successful – it all comes down to how you manage your squad and navigate those rank swings. Remember, there’s more than one way to play FPL, and being brave might just pay off.

So, whether you’re sticking with Haaland or taking a different route, just make sure to plan ahead and back your decisions. After all, that’s what makes FPL so exciting – the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Want to read more articles like this? Check out the other blog articles here

Categories

Share:

Articles you may have missed:

FPL Toolbox Has Been Nominated for a Football Content Award!

September 23, 2025
FPL Toolbox has been nominated for Best in Fantasy Football – Organisation at the Football Content Awards 2025! Find out how to vote and support us.

Read more

FPL Defenders – Should you go big at the back ahead of FPL Gameweek 5

September 19, 2025
Thinking about going heavy at the back in Fantasy Premier League? I break down the pros and cons of playing four or five defenders, and whether the early-season clean sheet trend is worth backing.

Read more

The 2025 Summer Transfer Window – Every Premier League Transfer Confirmed

September 2, 2025
The 2025 summer transfer window has been one of the busiest yet in the Premier League. From record-breaking signings to shock free transfers, every club has made moves to strengthen their squad. This complete list of Premier League transfers 2025 covers all the confirmed ins, outs, loans, and returns so you don’t miss a single deal.

Read more

get started

Keep an eye on your rivals

Easily compare your FPL mini-league activity in one easy to digest table