FPL

The best premium FPL forwards for 2022/23

We turn our attention to the best premium forwards as we round off our examination of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) price list.

Here, the focus is on those costing at least £8.5m.

With unlimited transfers allowed during the World Cup downtime and a Wildcard to use before then, we’re mostly focusing on Gameweeks 1-8 in this series.

Opta stats on the players featured in these articles are available in our Premium Members Area, where you can now get a full year’s subscription for just £2.49 a month.

FPL pre-season: Trossard hits hat-trick from wing-back role 1

ERLING HAALAND

It’s remarkable for a new import to have an ownership of around 60% before even playing a Premier League match. Then again, Erling Haaland (£11.5m) is a remarkable individual.

SeasonTeamStarts (Sub on)GoalsMins playedMins per goal
2021/22Borussia Dortmund26 (4)292,38882.3
2020/21Borussia Dortmund40 (1)413,54086.3
2019/20Borussia Dortmund13 (5)161,28780.4
2019/20Red Bull Salzburg16 (6)281,46452.3

Above: Erling Haaland’s last four seasons, in all competitions


The 22-year-old Norwegian superstar has become a synonym for goals, breaking records from every direction.

For example, Haaland is both the youngest player to score 20 Champions League goals and the fastest to get there. He became the competition’s first teenager to score in five consecutive matches. Of those with at least 15 goals in it, he has the best minutes per goal ratio.

It’s the same in the German Bundesliga, where his ratio ranks above all others with over 25 goals. When comparing his recent 82.3, 86.3 and 80.4 numbers with last season’s Premier League, it’s not even close.

So it’s scary to think what twice-in-a-row champions Manchester City can do with Haaland leading the line, supplied by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m), Bernardo Silva (£7.0m) and Phil Foden (£8.0m).

Yet there is one issue that might halt the plans of FPL managers. His current minor injury complaint led to a quote in The Athletic that suggests Haaland was promised occasional rests to manage any knocks.

‘One of the ways the club sold themselves to Haaland during negotiations was to assure him that they would not push him to play if he needs a rest or has a minor injury issue. The 22-year-old had considered the less-physical Spanish football might better suit him in terms of prolonging his career but City officials argued that he would be more likely to play even when not ready were he to join Real Madrid, such is the pressure on new signings at the Bernabeu. At City, they reasoned, he would not be rushed quite so much, and that stance may be in evidence already.’ – The Athletic

Last season, the forward missed 16 games in all competitions for Dortmund, following the ten of 2020/21. Perhaps his phenomenal ability has developed a team dependency that his young body can’t handle.

If Haaland is a willing participant of Pep Roulette, that could quickly become a frustration for FPL owners, no matter how often he scores. Having said that, being without him against Bournemouth in Gameweek 2 would require a large sofa to hide behind.

HARRY KANE

For the same £11.5m price, there is Harry Kane. An established FPL legend that is unlikely to be rotated – despite the addition of Richarlison (£8.5m) – and has been superb since Antonio Conte’s arrival.

Each of his last eight seasons has delivered at least 17 league goals and the most recent two brought 65 goal involvements, made even more impressive considering his slow start to 2021/22 saw only one goal and one assist from 14 outings.

From Gameweek 18 until the end, Kane amassed a number of goal attempts far ahead of all others.

Five goals have been scored by Kane in Spurs’ first three pre-season friendlies, resuming his strong partnership with Son Heung-min (£12.0m), yet less than 20% have currently found a way to squeeze Kane into their initial squads.

Another 25 goals will place Kane as the second-highest Premier League scorer of all time and he’ll be aware of this during Spurs’ excellent early run of fixtures.

DARWIN NUNEZ

The best premium FPL forwards for 2022/23 5

Despite the huge £85m transfer fee, a settling-in process will still be needed for Darwin Nunez. Such is the fickleness of pre-season Twitter, the 22-year-old was mocked for some poor pre-season displays only to then be seen in drafts in the immediate aftermath of Thursday’s four-goal haul against RB Leipzig.

“We always think that if you pay a lot of money then the players feel no pressure or whatever. They are all completely normal human beings and the first touch is not perfect then all of a sudden… This generation of players read social media, which is really not smart, but they do. All of a sudden you get in a rush and these kinds of things. That’s the best way obviously to stop all these discussions. He’s a different striker to what we have or what we had, but he’s a really good one.” – Jurgen Klopp

Were Jota not injured, it would perhaps be difficult to truly trust any non-Salah Liverpool attacker due to the competition also provided by Luis Diaz (£8.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£8.0m).

Jota’s expected absence does leave the door ajar for Darwin in the first Gameweek at least, with a defensively suspect Fulham up first on the opening weekend.

Still, putting initial faith in Darwin will likely mean sacrificing several of Salah, Haaland, Kane, Son and/or a premium defender. Only the bravest FPL managers will dare to do that.

THE OTHER PREMIUM FPL FORWARDS

Who are the best FPL captain options for Double Gameweek 37?

At least two of the remaining four £8.5m+ forwards probably won’t be in action on Gameweek 1.

Firstly, Diogo Jota (£9.0m), is likely to miss at least Gameweek 1 because of a recurring hamstring injury labelled as “a concern” by head coach Jurgen Klopp.

It’s a shame because he was one of last season’s best FPL players, making a mockery of his £7.5m midfielder status with 15 goals and seven assists. The Portuguese international has since been reclassified as a premium forward, with his long-term appeal linked to the adaptation period of Darwin.

Richarlison (£8.5m) is another big-money forward that will miss the opening round of matches, thanks to a one-match suspension given for throwing a flare off the field whilst at Everton.

Another Scout Report profiles Richarlison and how his versatility has likely been brought in as much-needed relief for both Son and Kane. Having a mid-season World Cup means that the six Champions League group matches will be squeezed into two autumn months, while a couple of midweek league outings will see Spurs will play twice each week between Gameweeks 4 and 16.

“Today I’ve seen a lot of positive things about Richy. The first half he played like a number nine and the second half he played on the right, behind the striker. I think he can play in all these three positions.” – Antonio Conte after Spurs defeated Team K League 6-3

As an FPL option, Richarlison holds virtually no appeal at present. Not only is he missing the first weekend but he will probably be competing with Dejan Kulusevski (£8.0m) for the third spot in Spurs’ attack. Lots of rotation is expected to commence, whereas for £0.5m less you can get Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m).

Fernandes and Ronaldo deliver as United beat 10-man Brighton in FPL Double Gameweek 25

Meanwhile, the summer of Cristiano Ronaldo (£10.5m) is dominated by his absence from an encouraging pre-season for Manchester United, as reports continue to link the 37-year-old with a move away from Old Trafford.

It’s easy to forget that he, personally, had a good 2021/22 campaign of 18 league goals and 24 in all competitions. Amongst FPL forwards, only Kane bettered Ronaldo’s 159 points.

Despite this, this elite forward has dropped £2.0m in price for this season. So, if he decides to stay, he could excel in Erik ten Hag’s new-look side and eventually play his way back into the thoughts of Fantasy managers. For now, though, he’s a complete no-go for Gameweek 1 after he failed to kick a ball in anger in pre-season.

Another significant price drop occurred for Leicester City veteran Jamie Vardy (£9.5m), as it was the lowest points total since his debut top-flight season of 2014/15.

However, despite missing chunks of games due to hamstring and knee injuries, he still found time to score 15 goals in 1,890 minutes – the equivalent of 21 full matches. And the first 13 Gameweeks pre-injury saw only Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) get more shots on target.

This time, Vardy is back to full fitness and Leicester are without European competition. He could be a great differential pick for early meetings with Brentford (H) and Southampton (H) but some much stiffer tests surround those matches and many FPL managers will be waiting on a favourable Foxes fixture swing in Gameweek 9 before considering whether the veteran striker can be accommodated into their squads.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

2,041 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FlashGilbert
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Keep coming back to this, how's she looking?:

    Ramsdale 4.0

    TAA Cancelo Trippier Cash

    Salah KDB Diaz Bailey

    Jesus Wilson

    Bench: 4.0 Neco Andreas Greenwood

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      That's really good. A bit different as well. Go for it.

  2. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which City midfileder is the best pick? Except KDB.
    Probably between Mahrez, Grealish and Foden

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I would hold off on Foden since he hasn't been with the squad pre-season. Grealish has looked good, especially his link up with Haaland, and is tempting me at 7m.

      Mahrez always has a strong PPG. Doubt he'll be nailed long-term but dont mind the punt to start

      1. Maddamotha
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Cheers.

  3. Team17
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Fourmium....

    Sanchez

    Dalot Justin Botman White

    Salah Son Andreas

    Kane Jesus Haaland

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A big fan of 5 a side?

      1. Team17
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Six a side, but, yeah.

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Was counting the non-4.5 players

          1. Team17
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            True, although Sanchez is a legitimate set and forget choice in any team.

  4. Bitsketchy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Interesting approach - took all of the data from FFS predictor and set a brute force approach to selecting the optimum 15 (no poor subs) - in other words, this is the best possible 15 according to the predictions from FFS. You can get this team for 100 points exactly:

    Ramsdale Mendy
    TAA Cancelo James Dias Van Dijk
    Mahrez Kulusevski Luis Diaz Neto Martinelli
    Jesus Toney Mitrovic

    That's quite a squad if you want to avoid the top prices.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      And never have the top captain picks...

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Is this over the season? If so, it's only good for a dead team challenge with no captaincy.

      I also wouldn't rely on FFS predictions. There's no evidence that their predictions are better/worse than predictions anyone with any knowledge can make.

      1. Bitsketchy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        FIrst 6 games - which is probably close enough as almost everyone with wildcard at week 8

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Fair enough. Maybe a good exercise (if you believe in the FFS predictions) would be to do the same, but to lock in two premiums and 3 base price outfielders to replicate what a "normal" squad would more likely look like.

          1. Bitsketchy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            If you make a few predetermined adjustments, you can get to a slighter more "normal" team. If we assume that we include williams for 4 in defence, Salah in midfield and Jesus in attack, then you get this team as apparently the best you can do (according to FFS projections) with the remainder:

            Ramsdale Messlier
            Cancelo James Robertson Gabriel
            Salah Mahrez Luis Diaz Neto Guimaraes
            Jesus Toney Mitrovic

            According to their predictions, you'd get 348 from your best 4-4-2 over the first 6 weeks assuming Salah as captain, roughly 60 points a week.

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      and probably have the most benched points over the season,which will drive you daft ,one for the dustbin mr sketchy

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Tbf it could be a useful reference point to fill out the rest of your squad after you've picked your captains

  5. Chan Chan
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    is it work 4-4-2 ?

    Mendy
    TAA Cancelo Zinchenko N.William
    Salah / Sterling / Barnes / Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
    Haaland Jesus

    sub.Gazzaniga/Patterson/Andreas/Taylor
    a) Cancelo + Sterling + Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
    b) KDB + Neto + Botman

  6. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5 GK?

    1. Rickyslash
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Raya

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'm going for Sanchez but I'm not thrilled about it tbh. Looking to switch to Palace GK or maybe Henderson on 1st WC after their fixtures improve

    3. klipp klopp
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      i like meslier

    4. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      i like meslier,but ive found a million and have allison

  7. seamusseamus
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A. Wilson and Sancho

    B. Toney and 8.0 mid (prob Mahrez)

    C. Jesus and 7.0 mid (probably Grealish)

    Playing either 4-5-1 or 5-4-1

    1. Attaka
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      C

    2. klipp klopp
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      c

  8. Attaka
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    OK I think this is my last decision and it's one of formation... its between

    A) Rashford 5th mid in 3-5-2
    B) Dias 4th def in 4-4-2

    Which one scores more over the season?

    1. seamusseamus
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    2. klipp klopp
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      b

    3. MamboNumberOne
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      b

  9. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A) Cancelo + Bailey
    or
    B) Dias + Martinelli

    1. klipp klopp
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      a

    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A cos it contains cancelo

  10. klipp klopp
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    1) sancho + grealish
    2) mahrez + rashford

  11. Jimi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    My membership doesn't re-new until the 30 August, is everyone the same ??? I can't build my team either ????

  12. MamboNumberOne
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Will Aaronson start for Leeds? Could be a decent option with low ownership considering Leeds good opening fixtures.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Almost certainly. Been watching all the friendlies & he looks like the key creative player for us this season

      1. MamboNumberOne
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Awesome, i take it your a Leeds fan then. If you are do you think you'll be more solid defensively this season or is the defence still a no go?

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Yup, Leeds fan. Not convinced by our defence still tbh. Keep getting outnumbered on the break in the space left behind by FBs bombing forward. I'm going for Sanchez over Meslier & wouldn't consider any of our other defenders. Aaronson looks really exciting though

  13. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Best Leicester Defender?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Justin & Ricardo look like the 1st choice FBs based on pre-season but hard to say they're really nailed. Fofana is safer & a danger at set-pieces

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Fofana can't be called a danger at set pieces.
        Unless we're talking defensive wise.

  14. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    I’m going to role with this lot until next week now as I’ve tinkered it to death unless anyone sees any glaring issues…

    Pope
    TAA Cancelo James Zinchenko
    Salah Maddison Martinelli Neto
    Kane Jesus

    4.0 Neco Bailey 4.5

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A 4.5 Ars def seems to be as good as Zinchenko as the later's attacking output is negligible going by his stats for City.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Nope I think you're GTG

    3. kroky
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Zinc to 4.5 aresenal and Pope to Ederson is what I would do but it's a very good draft as is .

  15. kroky
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Ramsdale or Sa ?

    1. klopptimusprime
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Rams

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sa for me, by a long way. I reckon he'll do a Martinez from 2 seasons ago

  16. klopptimusprime
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ederson
    TAA - Robbo - Cancelo - RAN
    Salah - Maddison - Martinelli - Bailey
    Kane - Jesus

    4 - Andreas - Neco - Archer

    1. FlamingMoe
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I’m very close to this, can’t decide Son or Kane variant. Maddison is a nice alternative but has Arsenal week 2 and Chelsea week 4. Ok if you are planning on rotating 8m mids and hanging on to Kane

    2. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Nice, I’m pretty close to that team as well

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      It is amazing how close this is to mine. Madison/Martinelli are my "in and outs"

      1. klopptimusprime
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        think its a pretty balanced structre, who you got in for them?

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Nothing wrong with them. It is just an area with many choices.

  17. FlamingMoe
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Trippier or Cash?

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Heart says Trippier, but head says Cash
      You'll be benching Trip in 2 of the first six

  18. Let's Talk About Cesc
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Seriously tempting to buck the norm and go KDB + Kane over Son and Haaland

  19. Dananz
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    I know! Wouldn't be surprised if the difference was negligible in the end. The best pairing might even end up being a double up.

    1. Let's Talk About Cesc
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Double up is also very tempting. I can’t see how Son is rotated much but worried about the Richarlison impact and possible Haaland rest. Then again I am also seriously toying with 5-3-2 so cleverly starved of oxygen and football

  20. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Need to pick GK + 3 defenders(all need to start) for 20m excluding Liverpool assets.

    Who do you suggest

    1. FPLRocket
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sanchez/Raya
      Trippier, Dias, Dalot

  21. FPLRocket
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Have tinkered a hell of a lot, like a lot of you but think this feels pretty well balanced. The main downside for me is not having a second 8m mid, I would love a punt on Mahrez but not willing to cut down any of the premium defenders or Jesus at this stage. Grealish is a potential easier upgrade from Rashford (Ramsdale or Neto). Wildcard probably between 6-8 (hopefully 8). This pre-season has been a tricky one because of so many good options, a lot of these decisions feel 50/50 because of other good options at certain price points.

    GK - Ramsdale
    Def - Cancelo, TAA, James, Dalot
    Mid - Salah, Diaz, Rashford, Neto
    Fwd - Kane, Jesus
    Bench - 4.0 GK, Williams(4.0), Pereira(4.5), Archer (4.5)

  22. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Think short term, because of the inevitable earlyish wildcard. Which is better?

    A) Robertson, Walker, Mount
    B) Cancelo, Trippier, Diaz

    1. FPLRocket
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B for me (see comment above, I have two of the three in B)

  23. steviesmyth821
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Where's the summary table?

  24. Murph89
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on this squad pls?

    Henderson

    AA, Cash, Trippier

    Salah, Martinelli, Bailey, Almiron or Bowen

    Jesus, Darwin, Haarland

    Bench

    Hennessy, Bowen/Almiron Williams, Patterson (gamble on two £4m defenders, both featured pre-season though)