Watchlist

The Watchlist Updated – Forwards

Our final Watchlist article focuses on the forwards as Fantasy Premier League managers scramble to react to recent injuries and attempt to configure the perfect strikeforce.

The Watchlist can be found in your sidebar on desktop, or via your slide-in menu on mobile or tablet.

These rankings give an indication of our current thinking on player selection for each position, listing the factors that are contributing to the given rank.

Injuries to Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Morata have played a big part in the recent transfer activities of FPL managers, though with Romelu Lukaku proving his fitness in Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier for Belgium, we can at least be reassured on his Gameweek 8 start.

Harry Kane is also injury-free and, arguably, in the best form of his career.

Granted, his output at Wembley – blanks in all three league outings in front of his own fans – remains a concern, but Kane’s underlying statistics are peerless.

The top forward for shots, efforts in the box and attempts on target, he’s been the go-to striker ahead of a home encounter against Bournemouth – over 339,000 have snapped him up since the previous Gameweek.

Whereas midfield pair Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have struggled to find the net, notching just twice apiece so far, Kane has scored two goals in three of the last four league matches.

He remains a fixture-proof option ahead of a mixed schedule which involves home clashes with the Cherries, Palace and West Brom, as well as head-to-heads with Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal, in the next six.

Boasting a massive 59.3% ownership, Lukaku has been the most consistent forward this season, netting in all but one of the opening seven Gameweeks.

Given that his highest return on the road is seven points, he looks a less enticing captaincy pick in the short-term, with three road trips – including visits to Liverpool and Chelsea – and a home clash against the Spurs defence to come over the next four.

Lower down our ranks, his team-mate Marcus Rashford has started six of the first seven Gameweeks, serving up two goals and three assists already.

Considering he managed five goals and three assists over the entirety of 2016/17, the starlet’s upturn in output suggests that, despite mainly being utilised off the left flank, he may yet prove a viable third striker option at just 7.6.

Indeed, with 33 points on the board, Rashford is the sixth top forward in terms of value for points per million (4.3) and is owned by just 8.9%. He’s played from start to finish just once as he continue to share pitch-time with Anthony Martial but, given the lack of options in his price bracket, he remains in our thinking.

Gabriel Jesus is second only to Kane for transfers-in over the Gameweek, earning 280,000+ new owners and up to second in our rankings.

Aguero’s likely absence bolsters his potential here. Although Jesus’ time has been managed, it’s no coincidence that his first 90-minute outing arrived in Gameweek 7, with the Argentine injured for the trip to Chelsea.

When on the pitch, the Brazilian has played a part in 45.5% of his side’s goals – more than any other team-mate – as Pep Guardiola’s men prepare for a favourable run of fixtures (STK BUR wba ARS lei hud).

However, we should not dismiss Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane as cheaper short-term alternatives in midfield. Sterling is the top midfielder for goals (five), while Sane has bagged 29 points in his last two at the Etihad.

We also have to carefully monitor Aguero’s injury situation.

Tuesday’s reports confirming that the Argentine had returned to light training indicated that the striker may yet be back in contention sooner than expected. Certainly the Gameweek 11 clash with Arsenal will be an obvious target; it remains to be seen if Guardiola would risk an earlier return. Some reports today even suggested he could be considered against Stoke this weekend.

Rested from international duties as he looks to overcome a hip complaint, Jamie Vardy sits fifth in the forward standings despite a testing start to the season.

The Foxes’ frontman has bagged five goals, netting against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, and also has penalties to strengthen his potential ahead of a run that sees him face only two of last year’s top six in the next 11 Gameweeks.

Between now and Gameweek 18, Vardy will entertain West Brom, Everton, Burnley and Palace and also visit Swansea, Stoke, West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton.

Alexandre Lacazette’s lack of away form is a big concern, given that Arsenal hit the road four times (wat eve mci bur) in the next six Gameweeks.

With a visit from Spurs also on the horizon, this leaves only a Gameweek 10 encounter with Swansea at the Emirates as a stand-out fixture for the Frenchman.

Alexis Sanchez’s return in midfield could also have an impact on Lacazette’s 14.9% ownership if the Chilean rediscovers the form that saw him score 15 of his 24 goals on the road last season.

Roberto Firmino’s stock is in rapid decline after dropping to the bench away to Newcastle. The Brazilian has blanked in four successive outings and with clashes against Man United and Spurs up next, the exodus is picking up pace.

Mo Salah and Philippe Coutinho look better options as routes into Jurgen Klopp’s attack, though Firmino – who also has penalty duties – could yet profit from a kind schedule from Gameweek 10 onwards.

The injury to Sadio Mane adds another variable however. It has been well publicised that Liverpool struggle in attack without the winger’s incisive running, scoring just 1.5 goals a game without the Senegalese, compared with 2.2 goals with him in the line-up.

Further down the price brackets, Joselu and Tammy Abraham are currently our budget frontmen of choice.

Costing just 5.5, the Newcastle striker’s average of 20.8 minutes per attempt is more frequent than premium picks such as Morata (23.4) and almost on a par with Aguero and Lukaku (both 20.3).

Although he only started for the first time in Gameweek 3, the summer signing sits fifth among forwards for shots in the box, while only Kane and Lukaku have bettered his 11 attempts on target.

Boasting two goals in five starts, Joselu has the fixtures to prove value with money – Rafa Benitez’s men face Southampton, Palace, Burnley, Bournemouth, Watford and West Brom over the next seven Gameweeks.

Abraham continues to simmer as an option and typifies our struggle for candidates at this price point.

He could yet be under threat should Paul Clement tweak his formation and tactics but, for now, he looks to remain up front alongside Wilfried Bony, with Jordan Ayew deployed in a support role.

The Swans boast four enticing home fixtures (HUD LEI BRI BOU) and a trip to Burnley in the next six which could see Abraham finally break-out and fulfil his potential as a cut-price asset.

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1,541 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    pick one please:

    A. Trippier / Mkhi / Firmino >> Ward / Sterling / Jesus (-4)

    B. Mkhi / Firmino >> Silva / Vardy

    Thanks

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      B

    2. Trevez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      B

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      B.....although STerling is cheaper than Silva so should your MC selections be the other way round>?

      Trippier home to Bou next...no point in getting rid

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        I'd only have enough funds for sterling in A... but now you've got my thinking about getting sterling instead of silva as part of B... who do you reckon is a better buy moving forward??

    4. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      B

  2. Butters_lfc9
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    What do I need to change in this team? 1.5 ITB, 2FT

    Foster
    Davies-Jones-Yoshida
    Alli-Salah-Ramsay-Ritchie
    Lukaku-Kane-Abraham

    Elliot- Carroll-Suttner-Long

    1. Trevez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Alli / Abraham

  3. TyroneGAA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Guys done my wild card but now im thinking of 4 changes to fit in Hazard LOL!!!

    what you think YES or NO

    Memba/Fab/vardy/ricarlson to Maguire/Hazard/Okazaki/Mcarthuer

    then play a 433

    Elliot
    Davis Azpil Otam Maguire
    Hazard Coutinho Sterling
    Kane Jesus Okaz

    1. Trevez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      No
      You will want Morata when his back

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      cedric over maguire

  4. No Totti No Party
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    A: Hazzard / Vardy / Maguire
    B: Salah / Jesus / Monreal
    (have Sterling)

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A

    2. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A

  5. luke25
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Kola and Van La Parra (don't ask) --> Walker and Fabregas for -4?

    Thanks

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Yes 😀

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      yep

    3. Reedy
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      How ling is Kante out? Not sure I'd want to take a hit for Fabs as he seems like a short-term option.

    4. J T
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Fab has been a ghost so far this campaign

  6. Trevez
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Please help me pick one
    A Cédric
    B Monreal
    C Maguire
    D Cresswell

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      C

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Maguire

    3. Reedy
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      To buy, play or bench?

      1. Trevez
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        To buy

        1. Reedy
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 21 days ago

          I like Monreal long-term, not so much this week. Cedric an option too and seems a safer bet right now.

    4. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A

  7. Dobswell55
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    1) Sterling
    2) Silva

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      2

    2. Trevez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      1 for a few gw
      2 forever

  8. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    I am indecisive: I need your help.

    A) Antonio to Sterling/Salah/Coutinho
    B) Kolasinac to Walker/Otamendi
    C) Bank

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A. Sterling fof me.

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        I'm doing B to Walker but I'd say A to Sterling in your situation

  9. Dr. DOOM
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Elliot
    Alonso-Jones-Cedric-Naughton
    Salah-Ritchie-Eriksen
    Kane-Jesus-Vardy

    1.7itb 1FT

    What to do here?

    A. Salah - Sterling
    B. Save
    C. Other

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Save

    2. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      C: Ritchie+Jones > Sterling+Ward for -4

  10. BHA_Seagull
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Silva - Sterling - Jesus too Man City Heavy?

    Sterling will make way for Hazard or Jesus for Morata in 2 GW's

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Not too heavy for next two gameweeks

    2. Trevez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      No
      I have the same plan morata over hazard

  11. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    From GW9 onwards:
    A) Vardy + Tom Carroll/RLC (4th mid)
    B) Joselu + Choupo-Moting

  12. Caravagio
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Ok need help!
    Elliot/Foster
    Cedric/Alonso/Keane/Naughton (rosenior)
    Salah/Mki/Brady (Atsu/Carroll)
    Kaku/Morata/Jesus
    1FT 1.2ITB

    A) -4 Mki + Morata > Haz + Vardy
    B) Wait on morata 1 week and do Mki > Alli.

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A

  13. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    The Vardy vs Jesus debate is messing with me. Vardy's underlying stats are poor, and Jesus has concerns about minutes

    1. Oven Glover
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Get Kun! All the cool kids already have him 😎

  14. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    No love for Rob Holding 4.7

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      good value, poor fixtures/potential though

      1. VFORVANDETA
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        This

      2. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        Watford Everton & Swansea in his next three. Surely at least 2 clean sheets

        1. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 21 days ago

          Not easy fixtures at all.

          1. I think that they are. Especially with Everton imploding.

            1. Annie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 21 days ago

              You think Watford won't score?

              1. Indeed. 🙂

                1. Annie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 21 days ago

                  can we have a bet on that please 🙂

  15. calosul1
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Which Man City midfielder?

    Sane, Sterling or Silva

    Triple S....tiiiiiiiiiiiime to plaaaaaaaay the gaaaaaaaaaaame !!

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Silva

  16. Buck The Trent
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Would you start Carroll (HUD) or Atsu (sot) ?

    1. Carroll.

    2. Caravagio
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      maybe wait for news on atsu. People suggested he may be getting managed minutes too. Good game to play carroll potentially.

  17. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Play Fabregas or Richarlison this week?

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Maybe both.

      1. kysersosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        I have Silva and Sterling
        Back line of Luiz, Cedric, Maquire and Bavies,
        Forwards Kane, Vardy and Jesus

        Think I'm fairly solid in that formation

        1. Reedy
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 21 days ago

          Looks decent. I'd still be inclined to play Richarlison over Maguire.

          1. Reedy
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 21 days ago

            and start Fabs

          2. kysersosa
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 21 days ago

            Thanks, just saw morrison and Robson - Kanu are doubts so WBA have little depth in attack. Benching a 6.2 mid though is not a good thing though.

            1. Reedy
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 21 days ago

              Good point about Brom's weakened attack. Arsenal's defence could be weakened too though and I'd be fairly confident of Richarlison getting some joy from them this week.

              1. kysersosa
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 21 days ago

                This. Not sure what his goal involvement is but it will be up there. His movement I think will cause their defence problems.

        2. VFORVANDETA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 21 days ago

          I would consider to bench Cedric and play Rich.But if you want to play 4 at the back play Fab.

          1. kysersosa
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 21 days ago

            Thanks

    2. Sjaugen
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Fabregas.

    3. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Fabregas

    4. Trevez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Rich

  18. Sjaugen
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    a/ Kola Alonso Doucoure & 0.6
    b/ Kola Azpi Richarlison & 0.0
    c/ Monreal Alonso Richarlison & 0.2

    I was set on a/ until I saw how much better Richarlison was vs Doucoure.
    So keep a/, or downgrade Kola to Monreal OR downgrade Alonso to Azpi

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      B With Monreal.

      1. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        why would you tell him to get azpi over alonso if he has the cash?

        1. VFORVANDETA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 21 days ago

          Both are good option imo.But atm Azpi look more consistent on getting points and bonus.

          1. Sjaugen
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 21 days ago

            It's close isn't it?
            Alonso vs Azpi is goal threat vs assists & baps
            Kola vs Monreal is assists/ goal threat vs baps

    2. Sjaugen
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Thanks guys, at least a/ is scrapped. Too bad about that 0.1

  19. The Left Duke #3
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Have had a good start (OR 42K) and have 1 FT to use this week (0.1m ITB) and have WC available...

    Foster Elliot
    Mee Bailly Davies Cedric Mbemba
    Alli Ramsey Ritchie Matic Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    ...but am now pretty stumped about what to do moving forward as my MD's need a makeover but the imminent return of Aguero has question marks over MC MD's and Hazard is v.expensive and would prefer Morata as Che cover.

    WC now for the fixture turn or hold tough.

    1. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Looks fine for this week. I'd save unless Ritchie is out.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        Thanks pal. Was thinking Bailly to Maguire to fund Alli to Hazard next week but would have only the exact cash so couldn't afford price changes.

  20. R.C.
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Whats up with Kola?

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      hip injury

  21. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Is Kolasinac injured or not? I'm seeing conflicting reports

    1. Reedy
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      He 'will be assessed'. Don't think we have a clear answer yet

  22. ToRaBoRa
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    is there any doubts about hazard starting next fixture ?

    1. Reedy
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      I'd be amazed TBH. Viable captaincy shout this week

      1. Reedy
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        *amazed if he didn't start

  23. Fozzyb34r
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Wildcard needed?

    De Gea/ Elliott
    Daniels/ Trippier / TAA/ Dunk/ Bertrand
    D.Silva/ Ricarlson/ Mkhi/ Willian/ Carroll
    Kane/ Vardy/ Laca

    I know the defence is shocking!

  24. ForEvra Young
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Morata injured
    Kola flagged
    Mkhi a potential blank
    Chalobah injured
    Rlc unavailable
    pieters playing city and starting

    What's the max hit you would take?

    1. Fozzyb34r
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Mkhi a potential blank?

    2. Lukakuna
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A -4

    3. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      post your whole team?

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Very similar here.

      Elliott (Foster)
      Kola** Bavies Naughton Jones (Mbemba)
      Mkhi* Ramsey Salah (RLC**, TC)
      Morata** Firmino* Kane

  25. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    1 FT 0.2ITB.

    Considering the following -8?;

    OUT: Morata – Alli – Chalobah
    IN: £6.1m FWD – Hazard - Sterling

    Elliot – *Pereira*
    Davies - Duffy - Maguire - Kolasinic - Wimmer
    Salah - Alli - Choupo – *Chalobah* - *Mcarthur*
    Kane - Jesus – *Morata*

    Any other suggestions?

    1. ForEvra Young
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Don't take out alli when he has Bournemouth at home

  26. milejedinakhighclub
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Any help would be great!

    a) Otamendi/Richarlison/Vardy
    b) Jones/Eriksen/Joselu

    Cheers!

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      A

    2. Sjaugen
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Feeling A atm

      1. milejedinakhighclub
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        Interesting! I was sure people would favour Eriksen/Jones given the potential for Otamendi to be rotated out and the fact that Mourinho will likely go bus parking.

        Food for thought 🙂

        1. Sjaugen
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 21 days ago

          Good stats from Richarlison, non-conversion os good stats for Joselu and the not backed by stats gut feeling of Vardy goals here.
          Also Otamendies goal threat

  27. Kun Tozser
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    RMT:

    DDG
    Luiz Lascelles Walker Davies
    Eriksen Sterling Richalison
    Chicharito Jesus Kane

    Elliot Carroll Atsu Long

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      0.8 ITB

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Surely not your WC? 7

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        No still have the WC

  28. tokara
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    joselu or naisse?

  29. Pep Roulette
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Davies
    Dunk
    Cedric
    Jones
    Mee

    Whom should I replace to bring in Alonso?

    1. lfcserg
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Jones

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Alonso only two bookings away from ban.

      1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 21 days ago

        I don't get this argument.

        If and when he does get a ban you can just transfer him out for literally anybody else.

    3. Lukakuna
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Dunk if you can

    4. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      Jones

  30. Lukakuna
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 21 days ago

    Some thought on this would be much appreciated! Got 2 ft:

    A) Long, Mkhi, Kaku > Luiz, Sterling, Jesus (-4)
    B) Mkhi, Firmino > Sterling/Sane, Vardy
    C) Mkhi > Sterling (Save 1 ft)

    Elliot Begovic
    Davies Jones Cedric Suttner - Long
    Eriksen Mkhi Ramsey - Carroll RLC
    Kane Kaku Firm

    Cheers!

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 21 days ago

      repost this mate, you bottomed and im interested to see what people comment - i have a similar dilemma