Forwards are once again set to play a huge role in Fantasy Premier League squad-building this season. With premium heavy-hitters demanding a large slice of the budget and several mid-priced strikers offering major upside, choosing the right front line could make or break an early draft.

From proven Golden Boot contenders to in-form pre-season picks and reliable penalty takers, these five forwards all have a strong case for selection. Whether you are looking for a safe captaincy option, a value striker or a low-owned differential, there are plenty of routes to points among the players below.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Price: 6.0m

Ownership: 25.2%

Position: Forward

Fixtures: NFO (A), BRE (H), BHA (A)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks like one of the standout forward options at 6.0m. Leeds’ first-choice striker is on penalties, averaged 86.4 minutes per start last season and has already carried that form into pre-season with three goals in two matches. 

His underlying numbers are particularly encouraging: last season he recorded 18.30 xG, the third-highest total among forwards, and had 33 big chances. Calvert-Lewin is a classic big-chance striker who regularly gets into the right areas, and Leeds’ opening fixtures give him an immediate platform to deliver. At this price, managers can also rotate or bench him during tougher fixtures without damaging their squad structure.

Erling Haaland

Price: 15.5m

Ownership: 73.5%

Position: Forward

Fixtures: BOU (H), CRY (A), COV (H)

Every season, managers try to outsmart the game by starting without Erling Haaland. At 15.5m, the concern is understandable: he consumes a huge portion of the budget. But with more than 70% ownership and so many managers likely to captain him, going without creates huge early-season risk. One Haaland haul can immediately leave non-owners chasing the pack.

The simple approach is often the right one: start with Haaland and build around him. He scored 27 league goals and added eight assists last season, is the clear favourite for another Golden Boot, and remains the Premier League’s most reliable number nine.

Joao Pedro

Price: 7.5m

Ownership: 55.9%

Position: Forward

Fixtures: FUL (A), BHA (H), ARS (A)

Joao Pedro has been the standout Chelsea attacker in pre-season, scoring five goals in four matches, including a hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers and a brace against AC Milan. A refreshed Chelsea side under Xabi Alonso, combined with an in-form Pedro, should excite FPL managers.

He may not be on penalties, but his all-round game gives him several routes to returns. Pedro offers both goal and assist potential, gets involved at set-pieces and can win penalties through his clever movement in and around the box. For me, he is Chelsea’s standout attacking option this year

Igor Jesus

Price: 6.0m

Ownership: 5.3%

Position: Forward

Fixtures: LEE (H), LIV (A), TOT (H)

Igor Jesus is a 6.0m forward who is quietly building a strong case for selection. He has four goals in Nottingham Forest’s first four pre-season matches, showing sharp movement and a real instinct for second balls in the box. Under Oliver Glasner, Forest should play with more speed and purpose in transition, which could suit Jesus’ energetic, all-action style.

Glasner has arrived with the ambition of taking Forest up another level, and Igor Jesus looks well placed to benefit. He is not a must-own yet, but with favourable early fixtures and Coventry at home in Gameweek 5, he is certainly one to monitor closely

Igor Thiago

Price: 8.0m

Ownership: 16.0%

Position: Forward

Fixtures: TOT (H), LEE (A), SUN (H)

Igor Thiago was one of last season’s breakout FPL stars, yet he appears to be getting overlooked ahead of the new campaign. Brentford’s talisman is their nailed number nine and penalty taker, giving him the security and high-value chances managers want from a forward. 

Last season he posted 84 shots, 43 on target and 14 non-penalty goals from 13.5 npxG, underlining that his output was backed by strong underlying numbers.

Add penalty duties to that profile and Thiago has every chance of another productive season. Brentford’s opening run is favourable enough to make him a serious option from Gameweek 1.