{"id":1052,"date":"2025-08-02T19:04:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T17:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/?p=1052"},"modified":"2025-08-02T19:04:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T17:04:11","slug":"the-best-fpl-forwards-mid-priced-defenders-for-2025-26-who-to-trust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/2025\/08\/02\/the-best-fpl-forwards-mid-priced-defenders-for-2025-26-who-to-trust\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best FPL Forwards & Mid-Priced Defenders for 2025\/26: Who to Trust?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 \u00a35.0m\u2013\u00a35.5m defenders now must-haves? Let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best Premium Forwards: 2025\/26\u2019s Heavy Hitters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here we\u2019re including anyone at \u00a38.0m or higher. Here\u2019s how the best shape up for Gameweek 1 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erling Haaland (\u00a314.0m) \u2013 The Reluctant Differential?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s 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\u2019s central to City\u2019s attack, responsible for 42% of their goals when on the pitch. Even in what was seen as a \u201cdown\u201d year, City scored the second most goals (72) and boasted an xG of 70.14.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Haaland stats from We Play FPL<\/a> app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u2019re choosing between him and Salah, it\u2019s perfectly viable to back Haaland as your one premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexander Isak (\u00a310.5m) \u2013 The Wildcard Transfer Watch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Isak is the second-best forward in the game, and, depending on price, some argue he\u2019s the best overall. After bagging 23 goals and six assists for Newcastle, his future is now under the microscope, with Liverpool showing strong interest.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Isak stats from We Play FPL<\/a> app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If he moves to Anfield, his appeal goes up, even if he loses penalties. The supply at Liverpool, the league\u2019s top scorers (86 goals, 81.76 xG), would make him a massive threat. But, until his future is settled, there\u2019s a risk. Newcastle\u2019s opening games, Aston Villa (A) and Liverpool (H), aren\u2019t ideal for FPL managers looking for fast starts. Monitor closely; if he moves, we\u2019ll need to reassess Salah and the Liverpool attack as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viktor Gyokeres (\u00a39.0m) \u2013 The Arsenal Newcomer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u00a31.0m discount versus Saka makes him intriguing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are risks: no full pre-season, Arsenal\u2019s opening fixtures (Liverpool, City, Newcastle in first six), and competition from Kai Havertz. For now, Gyokeres is a \u201cwait and see,\u201d but don\u2019t forget about him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ollie Watkins (\u00a39.0m) \u2013 Mr. Reliable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Watkins has scored double-digit goals in every Premier League season he\u2019s played. Last year, he managed 16 goals and eight assists, and he\u2019s nailed on to start for Villa (who have a kind opening schedule). The odds say he\u2019ll stay put, and with Villa\u2019s great fixtures, Newcastle (H), Brentford (A), Palace (H), Sunderland (A), Fulham (H), Burnley (H) , he\u2019s the second highest-scoring forward for the first eight. Watkins is a solid, low-risk pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hugo Ekitike (\u00a38.5m) \u2013 The Anfield Enigma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s place (possibly on the left, rotating with Gakpo) becomes less certain. Watch preseason closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mid-Priced Forwards: Value in Attack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Forwards between \u00a36.5m and \u00a37.5m are always tempting for those hunting value. This season\u2019s best bets include proven finishers and some exciting wildcards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n