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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Season 2024/25 – Gameweek 1

As we approach Gameweek 1 of the 2024-2025 FPL season, the choice of forwards is more critical than ever. We’ve narrowed down the choices to 9 forwards spread across different price ranges to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re looking to splash the cash on a top-tier forward or seeking value in a budget option, this guide will ensure your forward line is set for a strong start.

The Premium King

Erling Haaland has his own category now. Priced at £15 million, he’s the most expensive player in FPL history. That’s a serious investment. But is it worth it? That’s the big question.

Last season, Haaland’s numbers were off the charts. He had an expected goals (xG) of 1.04 per 90 minutes, which was miles ahead of any other player.

He offers you a captaincy option almost every week, and his ability to deliver big points hauls makes him hard to ignore. But here’s the catch—building a balanced team around a £15 million forward isn’t easy. Having Haaland means you might have to compromise elsewhere in your squad.

In short, if you can fit Haaland into your squad without sacrificing too much elsewhere, he’s a must-have. The decision comes down to whether you’re willing to spend big on one player. The choice is yours.

The Premiums

If Haaland’s price tag feels too steep, there are other premium forwards worth considering. They come with strong credentials and are priced more affordably, allowing you to keep some cash for other key players.

1. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa, £9.0m)

Watkins had a fantastic season last year. He scored 19 goals and 18 assists, making him a reliable option. However, there’s a catch. His assists were way above what his expected numbers suggested. That kind of overperformance is hard to replicate.

So, while Watkins is still a strong pick, don’t expect him to match last season’s points. At £9 million, though, he offers good value, especially if he can continue his goal-scoring form.

2. Alexander Isak (Newcastle, £8.5m)

Isak is another exciting option. Priced at £8.5 million, he offers incredible value. He had the second-highest xG per 90 minutes in the league last season, only behind Haaland. Isak is also on penalties, which adds to his appeal. He is starting this season injury-free, and if he keeps it this wat, he’s going to be a great asset.

At £8.5 million, Isak offers a lot of bang for your buck. Many FPL managers are already including him in their drafts, and it’s easy to see why. He’s consistent, affordable, and has the potential for big returns.

Mid-Priced Forwards

Still looking to save a bit more cash? Then the mid-priced forwards offer solid options as well. They’re reliable picks, with their own set of advantages.

1. Kai Havertz (Arsenal, £8.0m)

Havertz is an interesting choice this season. He is likely to play in a central role. That’s good news for FPL managers. He ended last season strongly, but his underlying stats aren’t quite as impressive as some other forwards. He’s solid, but not spectacular.

However, Arsenal have some decent fixtures to start the season, and Havertz is expected to get plenty of minutes. If you’re looking for a safe, mid-priced option, Havertz could be your man. He’s not a game-changer, but he’ll get the job done.

2. Dominic Solanke (Spurs, £7.5m)

Yes, you read that right. Solanke is a Spurs attacker now.

He played almost every minute last season, scoring 19 goals. That’s the kind of reliability you want in your FPL team. The downside is that he may have lost penalty duties, which slightly reduces his appeal. But he’s playing for a better attacking team now, and you know he’s going to be a 90-minute man.

At £7.5 million, Solanke offers good value, especially if you’re looking to free up funds for other areas of your squad.

Budget-Friendly Forwards

For those of you trying to squeeze every bit of value out of your budget, the budget-friendly forwards offer some intriguing options. These players might not be the biggest names, but they can deliver crucial points without breaking the bank.

1. Chris Wood (Nott’m Forest, £6.0m)

Chris Wood is a bit of a hidden gem. He might not be the most popular pick, but his numbers last season were impressive. He averaged 0.58 xG per 90 minutes, which is one of the best in the league. Even better, his actual goal rate was even higher. There’s also a chance he could be on penalties.

Sure, there’s a slight rotation risk, but at £6 million, Wood offers fantastic value. If you’re looking for a budget forward with real scoring potential, Wood is your man.

2. Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham, £6.0m)

Muniz is another budget option to consider. He ended last season strongly, with most of his goals coming in the second half. His xG per 90 minutes was solid, putting him among the top forwards in the league.

He has some great fixtures to start the season, which makes him even more appealing. While he’s not on penalties, he’s still a very good pick at this price. If you want a safe, reliable option, Muniz could be a great addition to your team.

3. João Pedro (Brighton, £5.5m)

João Pedro is a real bargain at £5.5 million. Last season, he posted a strong xG per 90 minutes, which matches some of the more expensive forwards. Plus, he’s likely to be on penalties.

There’s a minor injury concern, so keep an eye on that. But if he’s fit, Pedro could be an absolute steal. For those needing to save cash, he’s one to watch.

4. Adam Armstrong (Southampton, £5.5m)

Finally, we have Adam Armstrong. He’s a reliable option for those scraping the barrel with their budget. Armstrong is the penalty taker for Southampton and has some decent fixtures to start the season.

He scored 21 goals in the Championship last year, so he knows how to find the net. While he might struggle a bit in the Premier League, at £5.5 million, he’s a solid, low-risk pick.

Conclusion

Choosing the right forwards for Gameweek 1 is all about finding the perfect balance between value and potential. Whether you’re splashing out on Haaland, investing in premium options, or looking for budget-friendly options, The key is to mix and match based on your overall team strategy and budget.

To make the most informed decisions, don’t forget to Download the We Play FPL app. It’s packed with tools like transfer planning, player comparisons, points predictions, and other AI-powered tools—all designed to help you build the best possible team. Plus, the app will keep you updated on Premier League news, Injuries, and FPL deadlines, making sure you’re always ahead of the game.

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices be spot on. Until next time, happy managing!