Watchlist

The Watchlist Updated – Forwards

After taking stock of the latest changes to the goalkeeper, defender and midfielder rankings over the past few days, we conclude with analysis of the forward options.

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

These highlight our current thinking on player selection for each position, listing the factors behind each player’s given rank.

We’re keeping faith in Harry Kane at the top of our standings.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has handily allayed any injury fears following Kane’s withdrawal from England duties, with the forward apparently fit for the Gameweek 12 derby trip to Arsenal next weekend.

Kane has now blanked in five of his six matches at Wembley in light of the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace but his form on the road has been relentless, with two goals in each of his last three away fixtures.

And that can only be good news for his 38% owners, bearing in mind that three of Spurs’ next four (ars WBA lei wat) are away matches.

Kane has averaged 10 points per match (ppm) on his travels, compared to 4.2ppm at home, while significantly, he registers 1.5 big chances per match away from home, compared to just 0.7 at Wembley Stadium.

Priced at 12.8 in Fantasy Premier League, the home blanks are a major concern given that he’s the primary captaincy option in most Gameweeks, while Spurs’ Wembley fixtures (WBA STK BHA SOT WHU EVE) are very kind for the next few months.

But still way out in front in almost every key statistic – shots (59), efforts in the box (39), attempts on target (22) and penalty area touches (72) – his potential far exceeds any other FPL forward.

As Spurs have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, Pochettino could now take the opportunity to rest his star man in Europe, with the Premier League schedule becoming far more congested from late-November onwards.

The man on the move at the top of the rankings is Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata (10.3), who has been the best served FPL forward in terms of big chances this season, with 13.

A seventh league goal in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United was followed by a strike for Spain against Costa Rica as Fantasy interest gains momentum – he’s the most popular target in attack ahead of a trip to West Brom, with over 95,000 transfers in.

Another positive regarding Morata’s Gameweek 11 outing was that it was the first time he’d completed a full 90 minutes since Gameweek 6, with his match sharpness now up to scratch following a recent hamstring complaint.

The Blues’ upcoming schedule is the other key factor stacked in Morata’s favour.

After the Gameweek 13 trip to Liverpool, they play five of their following eight matches at home (SWA NEW whu hud SOT eve BHA STK), and avoid all of the current top six during that spell.

Eden Hazard’s (10.6) spot-kick duties make him the obvious alternative for those looking to invest in the Blues’ attack, though Morata makes a convincing case – he’s scored or assisted 71% of his side’s goals when on the pitch, more than any premium forward.

A promising short-term schedule (NEW BHA wat) means that Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku (11.5) holds firm.

Without a goal in his last seven in all competitions for United, the Belgium international has suffered from a tough run of fixtures and has been stifled by Jose Mourinho’s tactics.

But a brace for Belgium against Mexico over the break could reignite his confidence levels ahead of a fine short-term schedule.

Over 224,000 managers parted company with Lukaku ahead of Gameweek 11 and, despite the fixture swing, he is once again the most sold forward since Saturday’s deadline, shedding a further 78,000 owners.

The next three matches are pivotal for the Man United forward, who still resides in 47% of FPL squads, to prevent perhaps even more significant sales, with Morata the major attraction.

The never-ending concerns over rotation somewhat dents the appeal of Manchester City duo Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.

Pep Guardiola hasn’t started the pair together since Gameweek 5, favouring two from Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and, to a lesser extent, Bernardo Silva to flank one of the two central strikers.

Aguero does lead all FPL forwards for ppm with 8.4, though, and looks to again be the first-choice penalty taker after netting from the spot in the 3-1 win over Arsenal.

The Argentine also outperforms the 10.5-valued Jesus in terms of minutes per goal attempt (20.9 to 27.5) this season, so between the pair, he currently is our preferred option.

But many may baulk at a price of 11.8 for a player who still remains a rotation risk, and investing in two Man City midfielders (Sterling and Sane are our preferred picks) is perhaps the more prudent way to tap into their prolific attack.

The case for that approach will certainly be stronger if Morata continues to thrive and Lukaku gets back among the goals.

Looking at the budget options, Swansea City’s Tammy Abraham (5.9) is still our favoured route, despite blanking at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 11.

Like Morata, he has been directly involved in 71% of his side’s goals when he’s been on the pitch. Abraham also leads all FPL forwards for points per million value with a score of 8.1.

A trip to Burnley and a home meeting with Bournemouth over the next two Gameweeks appear reasonably promising, though given that he is ineligible to face parent club Chelsea in Gameweek 14 and faces Man City in Gameweek 17, his stock could soon plummet.

Glenn Murray (5.8) is the budget forward rising to challenge Abraham.

Over the last three Gameweeks, he has scored four goals and is top for shots in the box (eight) among forwards.

The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last four, and face home fixtures against Stoke City, Palace and Liverpool’s dodgy away defence over the next four Gameweeks.

Over 49,000 FPL managers have brought in the forward ahead of Gameweek 12, though he’s still part of just 2% of squads.

While Abraham remains the only valid option for Swansea, the likes of Pascal Gross offers a very strong alternative to Murray in the Seagulls’ midfield.

The mid-price battle between Jamie Vardy and Roberto Firmino is still evenly poised.

Over the last four Gameweeks, both players have registered six penalty box shots and two big chances apiece.

Unfortunately for the Liverpool forward, his stock suffers due to the phenomenal form of Mohamed Salah, while Vardy’s record against top six sides, having scored against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, means upcoming home fixtures against Spurs and Man City should not be discounted.

Around that spell, trips to West Ham United, Newcastle United and Southampton, along with further home match-ups against Burnley and Palace, look inviting.

One goal in eight hardly helps Firmino’s cause, yet Liverpool’s forthcoming run (SOT CHE stk bha EVE WBA bou) suggests that he cannot be ruled out.

Over in the blue half of Merseyside, Oumar Niasse (4.9) replaces Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.0) as our preferred budget pick for Everton.

Handed his first 90 minutes of the season by David Unsworth, Niasse’s effort against Watford took his tally to four goals in the last six Gameweeks ahead of six favourable fixtures (cry cot WHUM HUD new SWA) in the next seven Gameweeks.

Further down, Josh King is worth monitoring on the strength of Bournemouth’s fixtures.

On the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Newcastle, they face home clashes against Huddersfield Town, Burnley and Southampton, along with trips to Swansea and Palace, in the next five.

Priced at 7.0, he’s expected to recover from the back complaint that saw him withdraw from Norway’s recent internationals.

King has just one goal to his name so far and understandably sits in just 1% of FPL squads, but that schedule offers hope he can go some way towards reprising the form that delivered 16 goals and three assists in 2016/17.

669 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    For those too who are yet to wildcard, when are you planning to use it?

    1. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Hoping to use just prior to Christmas fixture congestion as that's when I normally take a tumble down the rankings.

      However my team may not hold up to that point...

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      No idea. Been no need yet. I guess when i need it. Before i have saved to christmas and used just to use it and it hurt my team. I would say when i need 3 or 4 replacements, if that happens in time.

    3. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Working that out today. I think when the fixtures get tighter I will WC so I have a team of playing players during those tight fixtures.

    4. Relias
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      If you don't use before the second is released do you have two wild card chips to play with?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        No

  2. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Have used free transfers to get Salah. 0.8m in bank. Bit concerned over Jones Sterling possibly being injured. And BDavies may be benched. Anything worth a hit and do you think team/ bench set up correctly for this week?

    Pope
    Jones Daniels Ward
    Salah Sterling Richarlison Choupo-Moting
    Kane (c) Lukaku Vardy

    Elliot BDavies RLC Fernández

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      RLC before Bavies, looking a great option for this week.

    2. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Keep as is. Nothing worth a hit.

      As an Arsenal fan I couldn't contemplate Kane (c) despite knowing the inevitable will happen

  3. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Madness considering Ayew as the budget 3rd striker to rotate with RLC/defender? Seems nailed.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Nailed for no attacking returns ever

      1. Bring the Cavalry
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        He’s had quite a few assists already this year, I know it’s not much but you can’t expect much for a 5.0 striker

        1. Bring the Cavalry
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          But I agree with your other post Murray looks a great option

          1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            True. I think waiting a couple of weeks to see where everton stands with a new manager and Niasse/DCL will be a good idea..

            1. Bring the Cavalry
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah if niasse becomes a starter all the time he is a much better option that Ayew

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Honestly Murray looks an extremely good option with great fixtures apart Man U, great form, and huge potential to rise in price at just 2 percent

    3. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Been looking at him too as he is more of a guarantee to bring in 2 points minimum, unlike Niasse or Calvert-Lewin.

      I'm leaning more towards Niasse but a lot depends on Everton's appointment.

  4. Sanguinista
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    If you had to pick one of the two, which one would it be and why?
    A. Daniels
    B. Dann

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A simply because CPL have no Cs at present.

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A. Dann has played all but 1 game and has amassed 12pts and 1 clean sheet so far. Daniels has 37pts and 2 clean sheets as well as an assist and a goal.

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        My bad Dann has 0 clean sheets.

      2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Dann has 0 clean sheets and a highest score of 2.

    3. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. Matt Sk
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A easy, more attacking potential and more likely to keep a cs

    5. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Daniels, dann has not achieved over 2 points in 11 gameweeks

  5. Ghost86
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    On WC which is better?

    A) Moreno RLC Morata Aguero/Lukaku

    B) Azpi/Alonso Zaha Abraham Lukaku

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A for me. Until Chelsea can keep some clean sheets in a row then Azpi/Alonso are not worth the money.

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Azpi is the top scoring defencer.

      2. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Azpi got huge points scoring potential - and has delivered all season. I won't be letting him go any time soon.

    4. hurrrrr
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A

    5. Ghost86
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks for the replies

      It's either the heavy front 3 or the more balanced approach

  6. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Where would you spend an extra £1.5m here?

    Pope / Elliot
    Azpi / Jones / Daniels / Mee / Dunk
    Salah / Sane / Sterling / Richalison / Loftus-Cheek
    Kane / Morata / Niasse

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Niasse > Murray and save the rest for shuffling around premium mids in case Pog and Eriksen start doing the deed again.

      1. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        +1

      2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Is Murray nailed do you think?

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          I'd hope so after 4 in 3, he's galvanised the team looks to me. Hughton is a pretty stubborn guy for team selection so he should keep a winning formation up.

      3. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Absolutely this

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't. Save for when its needed.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        He's on a wildcard I think

    3. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Morata > Aguero

    4. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      RLC to Gross?

    5. PocketZola
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Almost identical, im thinking pope to ddg

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        This is certainly temping. Pope offers nice value.

  7. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Have an exact budget to do Silva, Luiz, Jesus-> Sane, Daniels, Lukaku for -4.
    1)Go for it or
    2)keep Silva, and then downgrade Vardy and upgrade midfield to get Sane in?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I like it. 1.

    2. Stoic
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      1
      I am also getting rid of Jesus and Silva

      1. Kuzser
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Watched England vs Germany on Saturday at Wembley and Sane really impressed. Very high potential

  8. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus ➡ Morata for FT

    Yay or Nay?

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      nay for me

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I say Yay.

    3. Stoic
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Y

    4. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes.

    5. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Easily.

    6. Van Djik-Head
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'm saving that for Jesus > Morata for next next or possibly the one after that

  9. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Which one
    A) Jesus » Morata
    B) Luiz » Daniels/Jones
    C) Davies » Daniels/Jones
    Or two of those for a hit?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Probably C until we know whats happening with Luiz. Davies WILL be rotated.

    2. Strchld
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yep, have to wait news about Luiz.

  10. MuchAtsuAboutNothing
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Perplexed by the fact that Rashford isn't even mentioned in this article. Lukaku is a bridge too far with his poor form - but I see no reason not to take a punt on Rashford over the next three. He has scored or assisted vs: WHU,LEI,STK and HUD. Appears thus to prefer the "smaller" sides, seems reasonably secure re his minutes and has very few competitors worth mentioning in his price range.

    I'm almost definitely getting him on my WC - he allows for an incredibly well balanced side and gives me the opportunity to push on from what I consider to have been a pretty strong start to the season.

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'm tempted by Vardy to Rashford. Minutes are my issue

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Doosra has him, I've never really considered.

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Are those two connected? 😛

    3. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I think he's a good shout tbh. Currently have Niasse as 3rd but fiddling with Rashford and a cheapie over Niasse and Azpi

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        For 7.6 you want him to start.

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Could say the same for literally any City attacker. He who dares Rodders...

          1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            City attackers produce some serious points though. They are worth the risk.

            1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 4 months ago

              Aye I agree, but tbf Rashford has played 60+ in 9 of 11, and one of the ones he didn't he scored!

    4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Just ran a comparison against Rashford and Lukaku for past four gameweeks. Very very close, Rashford almost double Lukakus xG.

    5. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Are his minutes secure with Martial knocking on the door?

      1. BHA_Seagull
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        I'm considering Jesus - Rashford to cover not having Lukaku this week

        1. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Not sure I'd do that! Newcastle can defend and City score for fun

  11. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Currently have...
    Pope
    Kola Jones Duffy
    Salah Silva Sterling Richarlison
    Morata Vardy Kane

    Elliott RLC Naughton Mbemba
    0.3itb 1ft

    Any thoughts on a transfer or two?
    If nothing else I might get Daniels in.

    1. Matt Sk
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      You can save the ft I guess, would play Naughton over Kola this gw. I'd rather have a chelsea/city def over kola but that's personal preference

      1. Matt Sk
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Or swap Vardy for someone

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks

  12. Stoic
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus > Lukaku (c) for -4 ??

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Go on!

    2. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  13. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Hi, please help.

    Elliott
    Ota-Bavies-Jones-Ward
    Hazard-Salah-Eriksen-Richarlison Kun-Morata
    (Foster-Joselu-Caroll-Mbemba)

    A. Hold FT
    B. Hazard-Joselu --> Lukaku-RLC (-4)
    C. Bavies --> Moreno, next week Kun --> Kane
    D. Others

    Thanks.

  14. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone here think David Luiz will start ?

  15. ROSSI_7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Should I bring Richarlison in my WC Team?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Hellllls yes!

    2. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  16. Moves like Dejagah
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    For my two FTs I’m thinking Hazard to Salah and Jesus to Morata. Thoughts please. Current squad is:

    Elliot (Pereira)

    Alonso, Jones, Walker, Daniels (Long)

    Hazard, Zaha, Richarlison, Choupo (TLC)

    Kane, Jesus (Abraham)

    1. Moves like Dejagah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      *RLC

  17. Kala Balla
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Guys need a quick and justifiable help with my 2 FT this GW:

    Rosenior and Doucoure out for:
    A-Daniels and Loftus-Cheek
    B-Duffy and Surman
    C-your choice of defender and cheap mid for a budget of exactly 9,5 ITB...

    All replies will be appreciated deeply!!

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A fo sho

    2. Bobjonesjnr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      +1

  18. hurrrrr
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Bellerin + Vardy -> Daniels/Burnley-d + Morata (c)?

    And if I told you that it was for -8?

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Hell nah

    2. Bobjonesjnr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Keep vardy for this week. He's due a goal or 3

  19. Jay Arell
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus to
    A) Kun
    B) Lukaku
    C) Keep

    And play
    1) Choupo (bri)
    2) RLC (EVE)

    Cheeeers

    1. hurrrrr
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A or B

      2

    2. Bobjonesjnr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B 1

  20. New Article Posted
  21. Awesom-o
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Captain options this week are:

    Kane
    Morata
    Aguero
    Salah

    Not sure which one to pick.

    Could bring Lukaku in for Aguero

  22. Sahil Yadav
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Which pair of the two?
    A) Dunk+Otamendi
    B) Duffy+Stones

  23. ChrisTanFPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Kane (pens and explosive) or Lukaku (Flat track bully) over next 3

    Best Otamendi replacement or stick? Jones (injured / rotation) / Daniels (nailed and attacking but can Bou keep a cs)?

    Keep Hazard (nailed with pens but poor away) or downgrade to Sane (on fire but not key man and will get rotated) / Zaha (nailed and fixtures)

  24. VardysParty
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Unsure what to do with the FT and 0.4m ITB:

    Fabianski, (Nordfelt)
    Azpi, Moreno, Ward, (Otamendi, Hunemeir)
    Salah, Sterling, Richarlison, RLC, (Carroll)
    Aguero, Morata, Kane

    1. ssia2908
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Save FT for next week. Team is good

  25. ssia2908
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Best Midfield and Defence Pairing with 15.00 ITB??

  26. drfc_matty
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Nobody fancy taking a chance on Rooney?