Your strikers are the ones you will rely on to deliver when it matters most in FPL 2025/26, the gamechangers. The players you dream of seeing bag a brace or even a hat-trick to catapult you past your mini-league rivals. Goals win games in FPL, and with plenty of tempting options this season, choosing the right talisman up front is key.
Here are five forwards you might want to consider for your Gameweek 1 squad.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa, 9m)
You know exactly what you’re getting from this man – unbelievable consistency. While his price point of 9.0m might feel a bit awkward, he’s absolutely viable for your FPL team. Unlike last season, Watkins had a full pre-season with Aston Villa and has scored five goals in five games, finding the net in every match so far. Fun fact: Over the last two seasons, Watkins has actually outscored Erling Haaland in FPL points. He may not be the flashiest pick, but with Villa’s favourable upcoming fixtures, he’s a guaranteed source of goals. One to simply set and forget.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham, 8m)
No player finished last season in better form than Jarrod Bowen, who recorded 13, 8, 8, 9, and 10 points in the final five gameweeks – showing incredible consistency and clutch scoring. While West Ham’s opening fixtures are a bit mixed, their first game is against newly promoted Sunderland, and if West Ham scores, Bowen, their talisman, is likely to be involved. With his high involvement – 21 goal contributions last season – and reliable performances, Bowen is a smart but underrated pick. Also, keep an eye on the 2.9%-owned Niclas Füllkrug for a differential option, especially if you’re seeking hidden value early.
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, 7.5m)
Chris Wood was the hero for Nottingham Forest last season, showcasing incredible goalscoring prowess by consistently getting on the end of crosses in the box. Despite Forest’s attack seeming lacklustre in pre-season, this could play to Wood’s advantage as a punt while flying under the radar. Beyond Arsenal in GW4, Nottingham Forest have an excellent fixture run, including opportunities against Burnley and Sunderland in GWs 5 and 6, making Wood a promising pick for FPL managers looking for goals from a proven scorer who thrives against weaker opposition and offers consistent aerial threat throughout the campaign.
Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves, 6.5m)
Jørgen Strand Larsen is a strong under the radar FPL pick with just a low 5.2% ownership currently. While Wolves face Manchester City in GW1, their fixtures after that look promising, including matches against three newly promoted teams. Last season, Strand Larsen scored 14 goals and contributed nine assists in 30 starts. With Matheus Cunha’s departure and Larsen potentially taking on penalty duties, this could be the season he truly steps up as Wolves’ main attacking threat. His price point around 6.5m offers great value for expected returns this season, especially given his consistent goal involvement and increased responsibility in attack. A differential that is massively underrated.
Joao Pedro (Chelsea, 7.5m)
Joao Pedro has been in fantastic form for Chelsea during pre-season and the Club World Cup, regularly finding the net and showing why he’s the most owned forward in FPL right now. Priced affordably at 7.5m, he could offer huge value if he holds down his spot in this young, exciting Chelsea side. The main concern is competition from Liam Delap, which could lead to early substitutions. Still, with Chelsea’s favourable opening fixtures and Pedro’s eye for goal, he’s an exciting pick for managers willing to gamble on minutes for the chance of high ceiling attacking returns and an advantage early on in the season.
