The 2026/27 campaign is just around the corner for the English Premier League, putting one of the greatest competitions in the world back at center stage. The opening fixture kicks the season off on August 21, which means the clock is ticking before Fantasy Premier League lineups lock for the first time.
In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the top picks at each position for FPL this season. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top forwards you’re going to want in your FPL squads heading into Gameweek 1.
Best Fantasy Premier League forward picks
Erling Haaland, Manchester City (£15.5m)
A cyborg who’s relentless on his quest to bury the ball in the net, Erling Haaland is now the most expensive player in FPL history at just a meager £15.5m. Wow. Even with that hefty salary, it seems he’ll be in practically everyone’s starting XI come matchday. The roster percentage comes in at 69.7%, meaning that he’s absolutely the template as expected. Now, he averaged 6.8 PTS/GM last year with 27 goals and eight assists, and we’re not worried about overperformance of xGI since after all, it’s Haaland. He had 43 total bonus points as well. How could you bet against the guy? There’s a real case that if you don’t have him in the lineup from Gameweek 1, you’ll be quickly left behind. After all, he tends to start hot, which we saw last year with 19 goals and four assists in 18 appearances between the start of the 2025-2026 season and January 1.
Don’t get me wrong – Haaland does seem essential, and if you do anything otherwise, you risk dooming your FPL season from the start. If you plan to pick him, stop reading now.
There is a bear case that counters the bull argument, though. Once the new year began on January 1, Haaland scored eight goals with four assists in 17 matches through the end of the Premier League season. That was still pretty stellar production by the standards of 99% of the sport, but that’s what scares me about taking him at this high price tag. There’s also the fact that Manchester City has a new manager after the departure of Pep Guardiola and hiring of Enzo Maresca. And of course, Haaland played a ton of minutes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup during Norway’s heroic run. Is there an argument for avoiding him and saving the salary for other players? Yes, but it’s the riskiest of risky endeavors.
Joao Pedro, Chelsea (£6.5m)
In similar, but slightly less dramatic fashion to Haaland, Joao Pedro might just be essential this season. Look, I’m all for saving money on forwards and going cheaper this year since the DEFCON ability of defenders and midfielders remains the meta, even after the nerfs to the scoring. Apparently, plenty of other people are as well. Pedro averaged 5.1 PTS/GM last season with Chelsea following his departure from Brighton, and boy, was it an excellent campaign. He started 31 games with 15 goals and nine assists, notching 30 bonus points and finishing second in per-game production at his position. Once again, he’s one of the most rostered players in FPL with a percentage of 61.4%, second among forwards behind only Haaland. When there are this many other managers with a player, you almost have to go with the grain because if/when they haul, anyone without them is likely left in the dust. Xabi Alonso could revitalize this club to an extent, with a little luck, and there was certainly investment this offseason with the addition of Morgan Rogers providing another attacking threat to ease defensive pressure on other pieces. Leave Pedro out of lineups at your own risk.
Alexander Isak, Liverpool (£9.0m)
For those who are brave enough to rebuke Haaland, there’s a risk-reward premium who could pay off in a big way. Alexander Isak scored 23 goals with six assists just two seasons ago for Newcastle, averaging 6.2 PTS/GM in FPL. As we all know, a transfer to Liverpool for a then-record fee of £125m did not quite pay off as anticipated – the star striker dealt with injuries last season amidst a disappointing campaign from the Reds. It’s a new world in 2026 now that both Arne Slot and Mo Salah have departed the club, but Andoni Iraola does provide reason for hope in the upcoming campaign. How he’ll deploy his pieces is uncertain, as is whether Isak can resume talisman status as a team’s primary goalscoring threat. However, he’s healthy and has flashed the ability which commanded such a large transfer fee in recent competitions. He scored a goal with three assists during four FIFA World Cup matches for Sweden, then notched another goal in a friendly during Liverpool’s preseason slate. If healthy and getting starts, Isak’s upside here is tantalizing, especially if you don’t have Haaland in your squad.
Igor Jesus, Nottingham Forest (£6.0m)
He’s not a flashy name, but Igor Jesus could be a perfectly serviceable striker once again this season. Yes, Elliot Anderson left Nottingham Forest and Oliver Glasner has taken over as manager, but Jesus should remain a key piece for a club that could be respectable once again. He scored six goals and dished six assists last season with 28 starts, playing around 2,300 minutes. He averaged 3.1 PTS/GM, 15th among forwards – if he replicates that, we’re talking about perfectly reasonable production at his salary this year. Depending on how Glasner’s system is integrated, there’s room for him to repeat or even surpass last year’s total. Again, Jesus isn’t a flashy pick whatsoever and the upside is fairly capped out in comparison to other options, but as a second or third striker, he’s a steady presence who you can comfortably slot into lineups based on the matchup. If you’re looking to save a little salary, he’s a great selection.
