FPL
The Best FPL Forwards & Mid-Priced Defenders for 2025/26: Who to Trust?
Discover the best premium forwards and top mid-priced options in attack and defence for FPL 2025/26.
Which premium forward deserves your armband? Is there a reliable mid-priced gem who could free up cash for your midfield? And with the new defensive contributions, are those £5.0m–£5.5m defenders now must-haves? Let’s break down the best picks for the 2025/26 campaign, focusing on strikers who can deliver early points and defenders who combine value with consistency.
Best Premium Forwards: 2025/26’s Heavy Hitters
Here we’re including anyone at £8.0m or higher. Here’s how the best shape up for Gameweek 1 and beyond.
Erling Haaland (£14.0m) – The Reluctant Differential?
Let’s start with the obvious: Erling Haaland. Last season, his 22 goals and three assists felt a touch underwhelming by his own sky-high standards. But make no mistake, Haaland remains the most explosive FPL asset in the game. He’s central to City’s attack, responsible for 42% of their goals when on the pitch. Even in what was seen as a “down” year, City scored the second most goals (72) and boasted an xG of 70.14.
With Rodri back, some fresh faces, and early fixtures against Wolves (A), Spurs (H), Brighton (A), United (H), and Burnley (H), Haaland could explode out of the blocks again. Right now, his ownership sits at a surprisingly low 18%. If you’re choosing between him and Salah, it’s perfectly viable to back Haaland as your one premium.
Alexander Isak (£10.5m) – The Wildcard Transfer Watch
Isak is the second-best forward in the game, and, depending on price, some argue he’s the best overall. After bagging 23 goals and six assists for Newcastle, his future is now under the microscope, with Liverpool showing strong interest.
If he moves to Anfield, his appeal goes up, even if he loses penalties. The supply at Liverpool, the league’s top scorers (86 goals, 81.76 xG), would make him a massive threat. But, until his future is settled, there’s a risk. Newcastle’s opening games, Aston Villa (A) and Liverpool (H), aren’t ideal for FPL managers looking for fast starts. Monitor closely; if he moves, we’ll need to reassess Salah and the Liverpool attack as a whole.
Viktor Gyokeres (£9.0m) – The Arsenal Newcomer
Gyokeres arrives at Arsenal after a stunning spell at Sporting, where he scored 97 goals and delivered 27 assists in just 102 games. His penalty record is elite (89% conversion), and he could even challenge Saka for spot-kicks. If he claims pens, the £1.0m discount versus Saka makes him intriguing.
But there are risks: no full pre-season, Arsenal’s opening fixtures (Liverpool, City, Newcastle in first six), and competition from Kai Havertz. For now, Gyokeres is a “wait and see,” but don’t forget about him.
Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) – Mr. Reliable
Watkins has scored double-digit goals in every Premier League season he’s played. Last year, he managed 16 goals and eight assists, and he’s nailed on to start for Villa (who have a kind opening schedule). The odds say he’ll stay put, and with Villa’s great fixtures, Newcastle (H), Brentford (A), Palace (H), Sunderland (A), Fulham (H), Burnley (H) , he’s the second highest-scoring forward for the first eight. Watkins is a solid, low-risk pick.
Hugo Ekitike (£8.5m) – The Anfield Enigma
Ekitike joins Liverpool after 15 goals and eight assists at Frankfurt. He boasts excellent underlying numbers (xG 21.6, xA 6.8) and should thrive under Arne Slot. If he nails down the number nine role, surrounded by creative players like Salah and Wirtz, he could be one of the bargains of the year. The only caveat: If Isak arrives, Ekitike’s place (possibly on the left, rotating with Gakpo) becomes less certain. Watch preseason closely.
Mid-Priced Forwards: Value in Attack
Forwards between £6.5m and £7.5m are always tempting for those hunting value. This season’s best bets include proven finishers and some exciting wildcards.
- Evanilson (£7.0m, Bournemouth): Led his team for xG (12.46) and big chances. With Enes Unal injured, he’s nailed for minutes and a steady source of points, especially after the tricky GW1 at Anfield.
- Jorgen Strand Larsen (£6.5m, Wolves): Ended last season with a flurry of goals and assists, now likely to be Wolves’ main striker and possibly on penalties. Enables flexibility elsewhere.
- Chris Wood (£7.5m, Nottingham Forest): Last season’s surprise package. Nailed for minutes and pens, with a great opening run of fixtures.
- Danny Welbeck (£6.5m, Brighton): The veteran led Brighton in goals and, with Joao Pedro and Ferguson gone, should start up front and take pens.
- Dominic Solanke (£7.5m, Spurs): Nine goals and five assists in a tricky debut season at Spurs. If Son leaves, he could take pens. Spurs’ fixtures are kind and he could start strong.
Best Mid-Priced Defenders: Unlocking New Value
With the new rules rewarding clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles, defenders in the £5.0m–£5.5m bracket look better than ever. Here are your top picks:
1. Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace, £5.0m)
A full-back who plays more like a winger. Four goals and six assists last season, plus great attacking stats. Palace’s early fixtures (Forest, Sunderland, West Ham, Everton, Bournemouth) are inviting. If you want an attacking defender who can deliver double-digit hauls, look no further.
2. Nikola Milenković (Nottingham Forest, £5.0m)
Offers a big goal threat from set-pieces. Forest’s fixtures are strong for clean sheets, and Milenković is one of the highest-scoring defenders for goals.
3. Murillo (Nottingham Forest, £5.0m)
Leading all defenders for defensive contributions and bonus points. Not a huge goal threat, but his baseline value is immense, especially with Forest’s kind opening games.
4. James Tarkowski (Everton, £5.0m)
Reliable, bonus-heavy, and a threat from set-pieces. Everton have a nice opening run, and if fit, Tarkowski offers a safe floor for points.
Building a successful FPL team is all about blending explosive premiums, value picks, and set-and-forget defenders. Whether you’re gambling on Haaland, eyeing Isak’s transfer saga, or searching for bonus magnets in defense, balance is key.
Don’t forget: For the latest transfer updates, player analysis, and predicted points, download the “We Play FPL” app! Get ahead with transfer planning, compare players side by side, and make informed decisions for a flying start to the season.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
FPL
GW23 FPL: Defensive Anchors, Value Midfielders and Budget Forward Targets
GW23 FPL: defensive must-haves, cheap forwards and mid-priced midfielders with promising fixtures 23
With Gameweek 23 on the horizon managers should balance safe, high-floor options with a handful of budget differentials. For those using a two-keeper rotation, Robin Roefs (£5.0m) of Sunderland is the standout short-term pick; he is the game’s second highest-scoring stopper and faces West Ham United (A). Brentford’s Caomhín Kelleher (£4.6m) looks appealing against Nottingham Forest (H), who arrive tired after a midweek defeat to Braga. Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers slightly better value than Bernd Leno (£4.9m) for the Fulham v Brighton meeting, while David Raya (£5.9m) remains a set-and-forget despite an awkward clash with Manchester United (H). Arsenal’s defence continue to be the strongest in the division by some distance.
At the back, Gabriel (£6.9m) is essential after 38 points in the last four gameweeks, and pairs well with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) or William Saliba (£6.0m) for those wanting an Arsenal double-up. Chelsea begin a favourable run with Crystal Palace (A), making Trevoh Chalobah (£5.6m) a compelling pick. James Tarkowski (£5.7m) has three clean sheets in his last five and could reward managers against Leeds United (H). Budget defenders Omar Alderete (£4.1m) and Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) have clean sheet potential away at London Stadium, and Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) gains appeal versus Burnley (A) after a positive Champions League result for Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City face Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) on paper but recent defeats to Man Utd and Bodø/Glimt are a concern; Rayan Cherki (£6.7m) is a cost-effective route into their attack, having scored two in his last three matches in all competitions, while Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) remains a riskier pick. Declan Rice (£7.4m) combines defensive returns with goals and is the highest-scoring midfielder. Cole Palmer (£10.4m) should be fit for Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park but Enzo Fernández (£6.6m) is the smarter, cheaper alternative. Harry Wilson (£5.9m) is exceptional value against Brighton.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) stays essential for most squads. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) could threaten at the Vitality Stadium after a lively display against Marseille despite failing to score (well, an onside goal at least). Brentford’s Igor Thiago (£7.2m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and budget option Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) are all listed as weekend differentials with immediate upside.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 22: goalkeepers to target, defensive doubles and midfield differentials
Budget goalkeepers, Arsenal defensive doubles and differential midfielders to target for Gameweek 22
Domestic cup action provided a brief mental break for Fantasy Premier League managers, but focus returns for Gameweek 22. The round opens with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford and finishes with a south coast battle on Monday night.
Goalkeepers on the radar include Robin Roefs (£4.9m) of Sunderland, who faces Crystal Palace (H); Palace are winless in nine matches and low on confidence after their FA Cup exit to Macclesfield Town. David Raya (£5.9m) remains a safe option given Arsenal’s knack for clean sheets as they travel to Nottingham Forest (A). Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers a budget route between the posts after the Seagulls kept clean sheets in their last two home matches and now host Bournemouth (H).
At the back, Arsenal defenders stand out. Gabriel (6.7m) is essential for his clean sheet potential and attacking returns, having produced 30 points in the last three matches following two goals and a shutout. Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) provides a sensible double-up for extra Arsenal coverage. Matty Cash (£4.8m) is attractive for Aston Villa at home to Everton (H), offering attacking potential with three goals and two assists in the league this term. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is a short-term punt against Burnley (H). Cheaper defensive options include Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) versus West Ham (H) and Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m).
Midfield looks lively. The Manchester derby is made more interesting by the return of Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), who is described as fixture-proof and could thrive playing further forward under Michael Carrick. Rayan Cherki (£6.8m) is Manchester City’s standout midfield option, with seven goal contributions in his last 10 games across all competitions. Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) could be worth the gamble after an excellent start to life at the Etihad. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Declan Rice (£7.3m) are both options at the City Ground, with Rice offering arguably better value. Florian Wirtz (£8.2m) has 34 points from his last five games and is the Liverpool midfielder to consider for Burnley. Enzo Fernández (£6.4m), Bruno Guimarães (£7.2m), Harry Wilson (£5.9m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) are other midfield names to note.
Among forwards, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains essential despite recent form and has a strong Manchester derby record: eight goals and three assists in nine previous meetings with Man Utd. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) returned from injury with a goal and assist in the FA Cup and has eight goals and two assists this season, making him a strong pick against 19th-place Burnley. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) has scored five goals in his last two games and is on 16 Premier League strikes this term. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Raúl Jiménez (£6.2m) are both recommended for the potentially high-scoring meeting at Elland Road.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 18: Goalkeepers, Bargains and Must-Haves for the Deadline
FPL GW18 picks and deadline details: goalkeeper sleeper plays, budget forwards and premium options..
The Boxing Day sequence leaves Fantasy Premier League managers choosing carefully ahead of Gameweek 18. Several goalkeeper and outfield options stand out given the fixtures and recent form.
Alisson Becker (£5.4m) remains a contender despite Liverpool not keeping many clean sheets this season; Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored only nine times in 19 games. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.5m) is an alternative after Bournemouth were held by Everton and Chelsea earlier this month, and Burnley conceded just once in their most recent match. Bernd Leno (£4.9m) is an attractive differential for Fulham at home against West Ham United.
Joško Gvardiol (£6.0m) is recommended as Manchester City aim to extend a run of successive clean sheets against Nottingham Forest, and his attacking output offers additional upside. James Tarkowski (£5.5m) could provide value for Everton against Burnley, who are among the lowest scorers in the division. Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) has been collecting points in Gabriel’s absence and should feature this week.
On the attacking side, Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) is under-selected by FPL managers and could offer an edge given his role in a high-performing team. Mason Mount (£5.9m) is a budget midfield option to consider while Bruno Fernandes will miss out on Boxing Day through injury, placing creative responsibility elsewhere. Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) arrives off recent double-figure hauls for Newcastle United and poses a direct threat to Manchester United.
Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains the premium forward for many squads, having scored almost half of his team’s goals and ranking behind only Phil Foden for current form; 74.1% of FPL players own him. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has been scoring regularly and benefits from Alexander Isak being out injured. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) is the budget forward option after 22 points across the last two gameweeks and a favourable match-up with Sunderland.
The GW18 deadline for FPL is at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. ET, 1.:30 a.m. PT) on Friday, Dec. 26.
