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Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Mid-Price Forwards

This evening’s article in the ninth in our ongoing assessment of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Player List. Having previously published articles on Goalkeepers, Budget, Mid-Price and Premium Defenders, followed by Budget, Mid-Price and Premium Midfielders, we turned our attentions to Budget Forwards the other day. Next up, then, we look at what’s on offer in the mid-price forward bracket.

Gabby Agbonlahor’s progress over the last few months of the previous campaign suggest the Villa forward may be a viable option at just 7.0. Despite playing on the left of the front three, Agbonlahor still managed to rack up nine goals and six assists after a slow start – a total of 117 points, while not overly impressive, was his highest haul since 2009/10. For those unwilling to shell out 9.0 for Christian Benteke, Agbonlahor remains a mid-price option with a double Gameweek 1 also to consider – with Arsenal and Chelsea, Liverpool, a blank Gameweek 3 and City in the opening six, though, the schedule has hardly been kind to Paul Lambert’s side. Languishing in the Villa reserves, Darren Bent, at a mere 6.5, will surely find his way onto Fantasy radars if his mooted move to Newcastle comes to fruition – Fulham are also in the hunt, with Martin Jol admitting on Sunday he is keen to bolster his forward options for the season ahead.

Coming in at 8.0, Romelu Lukaku has the potential to be a real bargain if he gets the nod as Chelsea’s main forward under Jose Mourinho. With 17 goals and seven assists in just 2,005 minutes at West Brom last term, the big Belgian proved his Premier League capabilities but with Fernando Torres and Demba Ba (and possibly Wayne Rooney) as competition, there’s no doubt his acquisition still comes with uncertainty attached right now. Having produced four goals and two assists in 135 minutes over the Blues’ pre-season friendlies, though, Lukaku has already earned plenty praise for Mourinho and, while many may prefer the security offered by the more expensive Juan Mata and Eden Hazard in midfield, there’s no doubt that Lukaku has the potential to plunder the points in double Gameweek 1 at home to Hull and Villa.

Arouna Kone’s arrival at Everton seems to bode well for his security of game time. New Toffees boss Roberto Martinez clearly has great faith in the Ivorian’s talents and moved quickly to secure his services after he produced 11 goals and five assists under the Spaniard at Wigan last term. Coming in at just 7.0, the new boy is more budget-friendly than Nikica Jelavic (7.5), though the latter’s double in the weekend win over Blackburn suggests Kone may have a fight on his hands to nail down the lone forward role. Midfielders Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar offer out of position alternatives if Martinez continues to roll out a front three.

The pricing has been kind to Dimitar Berbatov this time out. Fulham’s main man comes in at 7.5 despite scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in his debut season at the Cottage – with spot-kicks in his locker and starts undoubtedly guaranteed, the Bulgarian remains strong value this time out. The potential downside, though, is Martin Jol’s pursuit of a new forward – Berbatov may be moved into a more withdrawn role depending on the type of player his manager acquires; a little concerning, given his returns dried up when fielded in “the hole” as a result of an injury to Bryan Ruiz last term.

Liverpool new boy Iago Aspas looks an intriguing option at a mere 7.0, though the uncertainty surrounding Luis Suarez’s future has a knock-on effect on his potential. With Philippe Coutinho first-choice for the left flank berth, many feel Aspas will be handed the slot on the opposite wing, with Suarez tucking in behind Daniel Sturridge in a 4-2-3-1 but the Spaniard is more than capable of taking up a central position, having produced 12 goals and seven assists as the lone striker for Celta Vigo last season.

A move away for Suarez would be significant and could see Aspas positioned in the middle of the park, with the likes of Luis Alberto, Stewart Downing and Fabio Borini vying for the right flank role. With Suarez suspended for Liverpool’s opening six matches and Sturridge yet to return to pre-season training, Aspas could yet start the campaign as the Reds lone frontman as he looks to continue the form that has seen him already notched three times through the middle this pre-season.

The recent double arrival of Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic looked to signal the beginning of the end for Edin Dzeko but the Bosnian has risen to the challenge, netting the winner in each of City’s last two matches. Having earned the praise of Manuel Pellegrini on the back of his performances, it seems that Dzeko will still earn game time but with Sergio Aguero also in the mix, the former’s lack of guaranteed starts from one game to the next will surely be enough to deter much investment, in spite of a 7.5 price tag.

Both Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck have been handed a 7.5 price tag but despite the change of manager at Old Trafford, in addition to the potential departure of Wayne Rooney, their game time looks limited unless David Moyes opts for a front two. Should Moyes roll out his preferred lone striker system, the duo will remain firmly behind Robin Van Persie in the pecking order; with a reliance on minutes off the bench and the occasional start, neither player appeals in the present situation.

Yoan Gouffran was utilised in “the hole” in a 4-2-3-1 and out wide up top in a 4-3-3 for Newcastle last time out. Despite being fielded through the middle in pre-season due to Papiss Cisse’s ongoing dispute with the club, the Frenchman is expected to revert to one of the aforementioned positions in the upcoming campaign – a security of starts may be likely but the 6.5 priced Gouffran should struggle for goals from a more withdrawn berth.

Norwich’s summer acquisitions,Gary Hooper and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, come in at 6.5 and 7.0 respectively. Bearing in mind Chris Hughton has splashed out over £13m on the pair, their arrival certainly hints at a change in formation this term as the Canaries boss puts greater emphasis on attack and moves from last season’s 4-4-1-1 to a 4-4-2 in order to address the lack of attacking threat that harvested just 41 goals in his first year at the helm. With home games against Everton, Southampton and Villa, in addition to a trip to Hull, the Carrow Road club have a kind opening run of matches, with the creativity of Robert Snodgrass (6.5) offering us a real alternative in midfield as the Scot looks to better last term’s 152 point haul in his debut campaign.

Rickie Lambert remains favourably priced at Southampton. Having racked up 15 goals, eight assists and 32 bonus points in his first season in the top-flight, Lambert finished third top scoring forward on 187 points – in spite of his previous endeavours, he will take up just 7.5 of your budget and looks nailed-on, though his owners will be monitoring the club’s reported interest in Brazilian Leandro Damiao. Jay Rodriguez offers a cheaper route (6.0) into the Saints forward line and certainly came into form under Mauricio Pochettino in the second half of the season but with spot-kicks and a share of set-pieces also in his locker, Lambert makes a persuasive case for his potential inclusion on our three man frontlines. Given that the Saints’ first seven home games are against Sunderland, West Ham, Palace, Swansea, Fulham, Hull and Villa, plenty are expected to invest in their attack from the off.

Sunderland pair Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore will set you back 7.5 and 7.0 respectively. Recent report now suggest Fletcher may be set to miss the start of the new season as he continues to recuperate from the ankle injury that ended his previous campaign early – if he fails to return until September, new boys looks set to lead the line for the season opener, with Paolo Di Canio operating a 4-4-1-1 until Fletcher is fully fit. Certainly, having managed double figure goal returns in all three of his seasons in the Premier League, the Scot’s eye for goal could come to the fore once again upon his return, while Altidore arrives on the back of a season which harvested 31 goals and seven assists in 39 domestic matches for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. The new boy certainly seems to have progressed from the player that struggled on loan at Hull in 2009/10 but with Arsenal, Liverpool, United, City, Chelsea and Spurs arriving at the Stadium of Light between Gameweeks 4-15, many will be giving the Black Cats a wide berth to begin with.

Similar to Altidore, Wilfried Bony racked up the goals with regularity in the Eredivisie last year. The new Swansea forward found the net 31 times and also supplied eight assists in just 30 league matches and looks virtually nailed-on as the lone forward for Michael Laudrup’s side – at 8.0 he’s kinder on the budget than Michu (9.0) in midfield and may even be handed spot-kicks. With United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal in the opening six Gameweeks, though, there are surely better options to shop for in terms of the schedule.

A mere five goals in 25 appearances highlights the Fantasy impact of Emmanuel Adebayor (8.0) in the season gone by. Having racked up 194 in 2011/12, the Togo international stuttered to a mere 72 points after making his loan move to the Lane a permanent one – while he still looks ahead of Jermaine Defoe in the pecking order for the lone forward role, Adebayor will surely be resigned to a sub role if Andre Villas-Boas manages to acquire Roberto Soldado from Valencia.

At 6.5, Shane Long is the priciest option on offer amongst West Brom’s forwards after producing eight goals and six assists in 2012/13. The Baggies entertain Southampton, Swansea and Sunderland in the first five and also travel to Fulham – a kind run of fixtures, no doubt, but with Nicolas Anelka priced at a mere 5.5, Long looks set to be overlooked by many due to the Frenchman’s more budget-friendly cost.

Finally, West Ham’s Andy Carroll is another who looks guaranteed for starts – providing he’s injury-free. Coming in at 7.5, Carroll has been handed an outstanding opening six fixtures (CAR, new, STO, sot, EVE, hul) and, after a slow start for Sam Allardyce’s side last term, picked up in performance over the last couple of months. If Carroll can recover from a heel problem in time, he could be quick out the blocks in light of such a favourable schedule but with question marks remaining over his fitness, Kevin Nolan offers a cheaper alternative (7.0) in the Hammers midfield for those looking to capitalise on the Hammers early schedule.

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2,587 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Courtois in the Rye
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    I know there's time to watch it play out but anyone else concerned re Bale if he's still here GW1?

    I always remember Modric and Berbatov being "not in the right frame of mind to play" in the first couple of games of the season so either that or him turning in half-hearted performances (as Spurs did generally amid the turmoil when those two were heading for the exit) such that I'm thinking of ditching him now come what may.

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    1. AK ⭐
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      No offense, but I just think that people tend to make excuses to not have him. Like last year, when he had a new born, I read completely nonsense comments here that he might not be able to play as he wouldn't have much rest cause of the baby and like he would surely score to do the craddle goal celebration etc, though he did score. Even if he stays there with half-a-heart, he'd still be playing football. And we all know he's got talent. So he'd be in my team for GW1 if he's here.

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      1. chambers
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        didn't he have a slow start to the season last year?

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  2. Kane Toads
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Evra or Zabaleta??

    cheers.

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    1. Chimptastic
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Personally Zab for me. First 3 city games are Newcastle, Cardiff & Hull. First 3 United are Swansea, Liverpool & Chelsea. I think Zab is better choice without taking into account the fixtures.

      However Moyes does know how to setup a well oiled defense.

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      1. Kane Toads
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        thx, Zab it will be.

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  3. vinniebolton
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    opinions needed please

    A) baines sessegnon and berbatov + 0.5 mill

    B) mertasacker cazorla and aspas

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    1. Chimptastic
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Personally I think Coleman is a better choice. 2.5M less. Big season last season and a fairly guaranteed starter now, will only get better & a solid attacker. With the extra 2.5M swap Sess for Walcott (Caz might play in Spain friendly which is v. close to first game). That would be my choices but I'm not an experienced player

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      1. vinniebolton
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        cheers i will do that ( coleman for baines) and spend the money elsewhere i already have wally

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  4. Chimptastic
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Any RMTs would be really appreciated, the American Cup (Chelsea, Everton, LA Galaxy, Juve, RM, AC & Milan) will be interesting & may make me change my EFC/CFC choices. No RVP/Bale as unsure with United and think Bale will go. Up to now:

    De Gea
    Coleman Luiz Zab
    Mirallas Walcott Silva Hazard (c)
    Lambert Giroud Lukaku(v)

    Bench: Davis, Ben Turner, Collins, Barkley

    Really unsure about Silva v Coutinho. Unsure about 2 Arsenal players too, but I don't really want any LFC strikers and no idea who will start for City.

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    1. chambers
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Why DDG over Mignolet? do you expect united to keep 2 clean sheets against liverpool and chelsea (first 3 games)? its quite possible but definitely an avoidable risk..
      the 0.5m could be used to upgrade Barkley (weird pick even at 4.5m) or your 2nd Keeper ?
      other then that looks good!

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      1. Chimptastic
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the reply. Good point about DDG but Moyes is good defensively and Liverpool tend to do worse vs mid range clubs. However noticed United 4th game is City, so I may change him out.

        Barkley is a puntof mine and a few others on here too. Cheap and will get game time following on from what Martinez has recently said. He has decent potential too & I don't fancy any other low priced mids.

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        1. chambers
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I am also unsure about Coutinho Vs Silva
          Its basically Coutinho's blistering form, good fixtures and nailed on place in the team vs Silva's great fpl history and great fixtures and nailed on place in the team.
          Its hard to say who is more nailed on...

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          1. chambers
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            What do you think of my team:

            Mignolet Boruc
            Luiz Turner Turner Shaw Koscielny
            Silva Walcott Mirrilas Brady Hazard
            Cornelius Lukaku Aguero

            My possible changes at the moment would be Silva/Coutinho, downgrade Mignolet and Boruc,
            after GW either Luiz/Lukaku (pending form) -> Nastacic or Zab / Sturridge

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  5. Son Of Zeus
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please..

    Cech (boruc)
    Koscielny Toure Zabaleta Clyne Turner
    Hazard Coutinho Paulinho Noble Westwood
    Anelka Lambert RVP

    Any suggestions welcome....cheers!

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    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Cech is a good pick but would you rather utilise your cash elsewhere when you could have Mignolet in goals? And also Anelka is not a great choice IMO. Other than that looks good.

      7/10

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  6. vinniebolton
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RMT/10 Please im quite impressed with the latest attemp but feel free to shoot me down if you disagree.

    Boruc
    toure collins brown
    hazard (c) walcott coutinho bale
    anelka rvp ameobi

    Subs- jakupovic colback clyne baker

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    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Boruc as your first choice keeper? Collins and Brown starting on your pitch? Anelka and Ameobi? IMO it's not a great side. I would downgrade walcott for say Snodgrass and then upgrade your defence slightly. And also make adjustments to your strikers.

      6/10

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  7. daniel03228
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Hi RMT please much appreciated!

    Cech (Boruc)
    Toure Coleman Clyne (Baker) (Whittaker)
    Hazard (C) Bale Silva Coutinho (Colback)
    Giroud JRod Lukaku

    thanks!

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    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Fantastic team! The only query I would have is maybe go Mignolet over Cech and then you could utilise even more cash elsewhere. But it's up to you mate! Other than that, it's an outstanding team!

      9/10

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      1. daniel03228
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate! I chose Cech because there is no one in Chelsea's backline I that's guaranteed a starting place.

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      2. 2EZ4KKR
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        hello pls RMT much appreciated

        Foster (Borus)
        Zab mertesacker cole dawson (chester)
        hazard (C) walcott silva nolan (koren)
        lukaku JRod Soldado

        want better cheap subs for chester and koren
        thanks in advance

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  8. edd177
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Sturridge or Benteke?

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    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      For me, Benteke. We all know he is a prven goal scorer even at a lower club (Villa). He will improve on his goal tally this season IMO. He also has a DGW1 so I would not be surprised if he nets a few. Sturridge on the other hand is also a very good pick as he will most likely be Liverpool's main striker as Suarez will be suspended still. Aspas is the only other one who will trouble Sturridge, but I really can't see that happening. Both good choices but for me it would have to be Benteke.

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  9. Crouching Tiger
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Do you guys expect Jenkinson to start for Arsenal at the beginning of the season, like he did last year? Could be extremely cheap Arsenal defender... if he starts.

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    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Carl Jenkinson has stated that he has high hopes of getting first team football at Arsenal and even England. I wouldn't be surprised if he did but on the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Could go either way. Your choice!

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  10. Fol-Bronx
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Defoe is a decent striker but no one seems to fancy him why is that?

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    1. Prime
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Because Soldado is coming.

      And, no one wants to pay 8.5 mil for "decent".

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  11. Fol-Bronx
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please much appreciated!

    Marshal (Price)
    Walker Baines Turner (Moxey) (McShane)
    Hazard (C) Walcott Silva Coutinho (Cork)
    Aguero Anelka Lukaku

    thanks!

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  12. TJR
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Strong team out by Pellegrini... Dzeko starts once again

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  13. Infinite Sheldon
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HHksgHJZxrc

    Man city Vs Milan for those who haven't seen it.
    Great goal by Dzeko.

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  14. nightmareturk68
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    michu and anelka or lamber and Nolan HELP 🙂

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