The new Premier League season is fast approaching and with it comes the return of Fantasy Premier League.
Each week, Sport360 will bring you tips for the English Premier League’s official fantasy football game. Fancy pitting your wits against us? You can join “Sport360 Fans’League” using the code 2529004-595062.
Forwards are the superstars of FPL, often being the ones most likely to sport the crucial captain’s armband.
Your forward line is where you spend the most money per player so it’s vital that you use that huge chunk of your budget wisely.
Here are a few picks to guide you ahead of the new campaign.
Following his big money move to Manchester United, Romelu Lukaku is a firm favourite among FPL managers with 48.5% opting to include the Belgian in their sides. The Old Trafford outfit boasts a fine fixture list at the start of the season and that only strengthens Lukaku’s case.
The 24-year-old has competed in the race for the Golden Boot for the past couple of seasons but now with plenty of quality around him, he has arguably emerged as the favourite.
Lukaku has enjoyed a fine pre-season, scoring thrice before being on target in United’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup as well. The striker looks primed for a big season in the Red half of Manchester.
Romelu Lukaku
The Tottenham hitman is the most expensive player in the league along with Alexis Sanchez and with good reason. Harry Kane is gunning for his third consecutive Golden Boot award this season as he looks to lead Mauricio Pochettino’s men yet again with his lethal finishing and tireless efforts.
With a distinct lack of arrivals over the summer, Spurs will be counting on their main man to deliver the goods yet again. With Kane in your team, you are guaranteed goals and also a fair number of assists as he registered seven last term.
It’s a big fee to pay but leave out the highest ranked FPL forward at your own peril.
Harry Kane
West Ham have struggled in the forward department for years but in Javier Hernandez, they may have secured the proven, consistent goal poacher they’ve been looking for.
The Mexican may not have the height or physique of a traditional Hammers striker but he’s lethal in the air and boasts the persistence and work rate that will hold him in good stead under a demanding Slaven Bilic.
The more time he spends on the pitch, the more goals he will score; it’s a simple equation when it comes to the former United man.
Hernandez scored 28 league goals over two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen and with regular playing time to look forward to, he will be licking his lips in anticipation of the new Premier League season and FPL managers should be equally keen to see how he gets on.
Javier Hernandez
Fernando Llorente is set to miss out on the start of the season through injury and young Tammy Abraham looks set to lead the line for Swansea City in his absence.
After a prolific season-long loan with Bristol City last season where he plundered 26 goals in 48 appearances, the Chelsea loanee is primed for a debut campaign in the Premier League.
Should he make a mark in the opening few weeks, there’s no reason why he can’t remain in the starting XI, perhaps featuring in a wide role, even when Llorente returns to fold.
Tammy Abraham
After failing to hit double figures in his solitary Premier League season with Liverpool in 2015/16, Christian Benteke returned to his prolific ways with 15 goals at Crystal Palace last term.
The Belgian returned a healthy 136 points last season and with Palace looking a more attacking side under Fank de Boer already, he could be in for a similar tally this time around.
Christian Benteke
1 – For playing up to 60 minutes
2 – For playing 60 minutes or more (excluding injury time)
4 – For each goal scored
3 – For each goal assist
-2 – For each penalty miss
1-3 – Bonus points for the best players in a match
-1 – For each yellow card
-3 – For each red card
-2 – For each own goal
