Having analysed the goalkeepers, budget defenders, mid-priced defenders, premium defenders, budget midfielders, mid price midfielders, premium midfielders, budget forwards and mid-price forwards, our assessment of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player list concludes with a look at the premium forwards on offer in 2016/17.

Priced at 8.0m or above this group of players should be amongst FPL managers’ key captaincy candidates over the season and, at such a lofty outlay, security of pitch time should not be in question.

At 13.0, Sergio Aguero is FPL’s highest priced player and looks primed for another stellar campaign thanks to the appointment of Pep Guardiola.

Since arriving at Manchester City in 2011/12, the Argentine has scored 102 times in the top-flight and has broken the 20-goal barrier in three seasons, including last term, when he netted 24 times – just one less than Harry Kane in over 1000 less minutes.

Aguero has quickly found his form in pre-season – scoring in both appearances under Guardiola – and has been drafted in by over 40% of managers. Clashes with Sunderland, Stoke, West Ham and Bournemouth in the first five alone suggest he’ll be difficult to overlook for the armband.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11.5) is the second most expensive forward in the FPL player list.

Although he has yet to kick a ball in the Premier League, the big Swede’s Community Shield winner and debut goal against Galatasaray have persuaded almost 39% to draft him in – only Aguero has a higher ownership ahead of the weekend kick-off.

Ibrahimovic has an exemplary goal scoring record, which includes 113 goals in 122 appearances for Paris Saint Germain and 57 goals in 88 appearances for Inter Milan, where he worked under Manchester United’s new boss Jose Mourinho.

There are concerns, though, as to whether the 34-year-old will handle the pace of the Premier League, and, considering the outlay, he’ll face a tough task to wrestle the armband off Aguero for many.

Wayne Rooney offers a cheaper premium option at 9.0. Mourinho has indicated that the England captain will only be fielded in an attacking role, after two seasons in a more withdrawn berth. It remains to be seen whether Rooney can re-establish himself as a viable Fantasy force once again, though, and only 6% have opted for the Red Devils skipper so far.

Last season’s Golden Boot recipient Harry Kane (11.0) has earned another price hike after a second sensational campaign. A total of 25 goals last season follows on from 21 strikes in 2014/15, cementing his place among FPL’s elite forwards.

The Tottenham frontman also led the way for big chances, goal attempts, shots in the box and efforts on target to further underline his threat in front of goal. Be warned though, while Spurs early fixtures are strong (eve, CPL, LIV, sto, SUN, mid ) they will be without influential midfielder Mousa Dembele for the first four through suspension. Last season Spurs struggled in front of goal without the Belgian in their side, though Kane’s double in the 6-1 win over Inter suggests he’s in fine form ahead of the kick-off. Only 19% have taken the plunge so far, though.

New Spurs recruit Vincent Janssen (8.0) is unlikely to replace Kane but does offer Mauricio Pochettino the option to rest the England striker during congested fixtures. The Dutchman could also lead the line, allowing Kane to drop deeper on occasion if the Spurs boss decides to mix up his attack to cope with Champions League duties.

Second to Kane last season in terms of goals scored, shots on target, efforts in the box and big chances was Leicester’s Jamie Vardy.

A 24-goal haul has seen his price rocket to 10.0 as he joins the Premier League’s elite forwards. The England international could be prone to some rotation this season due to Leicester’s Champions League schedule, whilst the possible first-team emergence of Ahmed Musa (7.5) could forced a reassessment of Claudio Ranieri’s attack. Last time around, careful management of Vardy’s wrist injury ensured he only missed two league fixtures, both through suspension. So far over 21% of FPL managers have drafted him on board ahead of clashes against Hull, Swansea and Burnley in the first five.

Daniel Sturridge’s career continues to be blighted by injury, with 2015/16 no exception. Despite being reduced to just 11 starts, he still fired eight goals and had 23 shots on target, but the 10.0-priced Liverpool forward also faces stiff competition for a starting place even when fit – midfielders Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are able to play as a false nine, whilst strikers Danny Ings (6.0) and Divock Origi (7.0) are also vying for the central striker role. A fitness doubt for the season opener at Arsenal, Sturridge’s never-ending injury concerns make him a risk too far for now.

Chelsea new boy Michy Batshuayi (9.0) arrives on the back of 17 goals and nine assists for a struggling Marseille outfit. While his talent in front of goal is undeniable, it is currently unclear where the new boy and Diego Costa (9.5) stand in Antonio Conte’s first XI.

The Italian’s decision to move from 4-2-4 to 4-1-4-1 upon the arrival of N’Golo Kante means it’s perhaps safer to monitor the situation at Stamford Bridge at present.

With a shot every 24.1 minutes last term, compared to Costa’s 36.7 minutes, there’s a hope that the Belgian could emerge as a viable option for our forward lines this season. For now, though, Eden Hazard looks the safest route into the Blues’ attack.

As with last summer, Arsenal continue to be linked to a number of top centre forwards across Europe, but so far it seems they will once again be relying on Olivier Giroud (9.0) to lead the line. A tally of 16 goals last term was respectable, but, with just 26 starts, he can be prone to rotation and seems a waste of a precious Arsenal slot.

Romelu Lukaku’s 18 goals last term was the fourth best in the Premier League and has ensured he retains a premium price tag of 9.0. With only Vardy and Kane bettering his big chances tally of 31 , the Belgian has been one of the Premier League’s most productive scorers, firing in 60 league goals since 2012/13.

Questions marks remain his consistency, but nevertheless over 13% of FPL managers have been convinced enough to draft him in. A strong run of matches between Gameweeks 2 and 6 (wba, STO, sun, MID, bou) further adds to his appeal, though Lukaku is doubtful for the season opener against Spurs due to a heel problem. With rumours growing over a possible exit, it’s perhaps wise to leave him for now.