Evaluating FPL Forwards: Key Picks for the 2026/27 Season

ASSESSING THE FPL FORWARD OPTIONS FOR 2026/27

If you’re diving into the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for the upcoming season, knowing which forwards can bolster your squad is essential. In this analysis, we take a closer look at players costing at least £7.0m, crucial for constructing a competitive lineup as you prepare for the new campaign. The previous season was somewhat underwhelming for forwards; among the top 35 point scorers last year, only four were listed as forwards. Nonetheless, five of the top seven scoring forwards hailed from the higher price range, showcasing the necessity of targeting these premium players. Leading the pack, Erling Haaland (£15.5m) amassed an impressive 239 points, setting a high bar for expectations. It’s important to keep in mind a couple of forwards from last season who faced significant challenges. Alexander Isak (£9.0m) had an injury-laden year, while Kai Havertz (£7.5m) struggled with fitness issues, limiting their contributions. Despite the setbacks, the landscape of forwards this season offers renewed hope, with ten players now sharing this price bracket, each potentially reshaping your strategy.

ERLING HAALAND - A TOP CHOICE

Haaland bounced back in a major way last season after a less than stellar performance in 2024/25. Matching his prior achievements, he accumulated 27 goals and eight assists, solidifying his status as the standout forward. Notably, he boasted a goal tally five higher than his closest competitors, justifying his increase in price. His volume of play was staggering—126 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 25.43, both leading among forwards. However, questions loom over Manchester City’s stability, especially after Pep Guardiola's departure. The absence of key players like Rodri (£6.5m) due to injury could complicate matters, but with welcoming fixtures against teams adjusting to new managers, it’s hard to ignore Haaland's potential. Missing out on this star could mean giving up crucial early points.

JOÃO PEDRO - A RISING STAR

With a remarkable 54.7% ownership, João Pedro (£7.5m) is catching the attention of managers. After being excluded from the World Cup squad, he emerged as the fourth-highest scoring forward last season with 177 points. His ability to adapt and thrive under Xavi Alonso's management is a good sign for improving his already impressive tally of 15 goals and nine assists. Pedro’s dual role as a scorer and creator is particularly valuable, ranking highly for both goals and chances created. This effectively positions him as a potential bargain at his price point—especially given Chelsea's boost in resources and the creative talents around him. A stellar pre-season performance, including a hat trick, hints at a breakout year.

ALEXANDER ISAK - POTENTIAL REDEEMING

Isak’s debut season at Liverpool can only be described as rocky, plagued by injuries. However, with a new season comes new opportunities under manager Andoni Iraola. The Swedish striker’s early-season fixtures are relatively kind, providing fertile ground for a resurgence, especially alongside new attacking talents. While Liverpool’s ambitions include bolstering their attacking lines, Isak's potential rebound could make him a strategic pick if he finds his footing quickly in the run-up to key matches. Exploring these forwards provides insightful perspectives on how to build your FPL team effectively. As you analyze their stats and upcoming matches, consider who among this group aligns with your strategy.

Final Thoughts on Key Players

When assessing Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, it’s clear we’re looking at a player with a proven track record. Over the last six seasons, he’s only dipped below his impressive 167 points once. However, competition in the Villa midfield is heating up. The new signings, notably Lucas Digne, contributed a significant 15 assists last season, suggesting that Watkins might not be the primary focus moving forward. With Villa’s opening fixtures hinting at a sluggish start, it might be wise for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to keep a close eye on Watkins rather than plug him directly into their line-ups. Watkins has also been the subject of transfer rumors lately, which adds another layer of uncertainty. If you're playing in this space, monitoring his situation is essential. A move could drastically shift his potential value.

Exploring Other Options

On the horizon, Viktor Gyökeres deserves attention for his performance, having netted 14 goals last season—something that only a handful of forwards managed to surpass. Critiques regarding his inability to score against tougher opposition exist, but if FPL managers plan strategically, they can mitigate that risk through rotation. For instance, he could thrive against Coventry in Gameweek 1. It's worth considering that Gyökeres now has a season under his belt to adapt to the Premier League, although he faced heavier playtime than expected due to Kai Havertz's injury struggles. Havertz’s selection for pivotal moments, including the Champions League final, suggests he’s still the favored option for high-stakes games despite having limited Premier League starts. Minutes across the front line could be split between Gyökeres and Havertz, especially with Bruno Guimaraes joining the mix, pushing Havertz further from a midfield role. There are intriguing prospects beyond these two. Ekitike, despite his Achilles injury sidelining him for a stretch, previously demonstrated his quality with 11 goals and four assists from just 21 appearances. Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush also possesses a flair that should be noted, although he faces stiff competition from Haaland in City’s forward lineup. Lastly, let’s not overlook Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United. He’s shown promise, scoring six times in his last ten league outings, but with his adapting process still ongoing, fantasy managers will need to keep tabs on his fitness and playing time as the season progresses. In conclusion, while established players like Watkins and Gyökeres are catching the eye, scouting emerging talents like Ekitike and Sesko could be the key to gaining an edge in your fantasy lineup. Keep your options open, evaluate potential transfers regularly, and leverage the challenges ahead to make strategic decisions.