Fantasy football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season, and with the coveted forward positions up for grabs, managers are spoiled for choice. The gap between premium and budget forwards has never been more diverse, and AI predicted points models suggest that fantasy managers may get what they pay for.

With just two days left until the season opener, our fantasy football expert takes a closer look at the top five forwards to consider for your 15-man squad.

5. Rodrigo Muniz – 20.4 predicted points

Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz presents an intriguing option, despite a price increase to £6.0 million. He racked up 11 goal involvements in 18 appearances last season, establishing himself as a regular in the side. His impressive form has earned him a spot in nearly 10% of teams.

Muniz’s fantasy potential is heightened by Fulham’s favorable fixture list, including a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the season opener. The Cottagers have also bolstered their attack with the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.

FPL managers have until 6.30pm on Friday evening to lock in their teams for Gameweek 1

Muniz’s high prediction and interest as an acquisition are largely due to Fulham’s favorable fixture run, which includes facing promoted teams Leicester and Ipswich Town in Gameweeks 2 and 3.

4. Ollie Watkins – 20.5 predicted points

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins ended last season as the top-performing forward in the game, providing amazing consistency across the campaign. He notched 37 goal involvements from 37 appearances, winning the Playmaker award with 18 fantasy assists to his name.

However, there are a couple of unknowns heading into this campaign. Champions League involvement will put demands on Aston Villa’s squad, and Watkins has had no pre-season involvement after the Euros.

Defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz’s departure to Juventus may also weaken the side, but Watkins has proven that he doesn’t need penalties to be the key fantasy performer. He’s among the most owned forwards in the game, sitting in around half of all sides.

3. Kai Havertz – 21.7 predicted points

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz is an intriguing fantasy option, having been reclassified as a forward in the game. He thrived in the false nine position last season, producing 18 goal involvements in 2024, accounting for 78% of his returns.

However, there’s now competition for places in Arsenal’s front line, with manager Mikel Arteta full of praise for Gabriel Jesus’ condition to start the season. This could mean a move further back to the eight role for Havertz, which almost nullifies his fantasy potential.

2. Alexander Isak – 26.7 predicted points

Form and fixtures collide to give Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak almost must-have status in the game. He’s the most owned player in current drafts and the only player in over 50% of sides, as the template forward line emerges as the countdown to Gameweek 1 commences.

Isak had a spectacular campaign last season, with nine goals and four assists in his final ten games. His underlying numbers were high throughout, second only to Haaland for big chances on goal with 40 and third for expected goals on 20.22, finding the back of the net on 21 occasions.

1. Erling Haaland – 30.7 predicted points

Back-to-back Golden Boot winner, Erling Haaland has seen a significant price increase to £15m in FPL this season, which is dividing fantasy managers on whether to select him. AI projections suggest he should be a key consideration, predicted to score a leading 30.7 points in the opening four gameweeks.

Haaland’s numbers speak for themselves, being top across all scoring metrics last campaign from shots in the box, with 125, to big chances, with 55. Non-owners should be mindful that Haaland has started each of his previous seasons with a brace in Gameweek 1 and then Manchester City play promoted Ipswich Town at the Etihad in Gameweek 2, where Haaland is the overwhelming captaincy favourite, with 8.5 predicted points.

Erling Haaland is the stand-out forward pick ahead of GW1 – but he costs a staggering £15m

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