Fantasy Premier League

FPL experts' lessons: Pick only one premium forward

By The Scout 7 Oct 2021

The Scout’s panel of experts reveal the lessons they have learned after seven Gameweeks of 2021/22

The Scout’s Panel of experts discuss the key lessons they have learned across the first seven Gameweeks of 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League.

Forwards

Utkarsh Dalmia (@zophar666)

Managers need to keep at least one premium spot to rotate between Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m), Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m) and Harry Kane (£12.2m) depending on fixtures and form.

There are also great budget options such as Ivan Toney (£6.3m) and Hwang Hee-chan (£5.6m) showing potential. Patrick Bamford (£7.8m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m) can appeal in the mid-price forward bracket once they return to fitness.

Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)

I probably went one week too late on configuring my team to have a premium forward. Gameweek 4 hurt me big time as Ronaldo and Lukaku both got double-digits. I quickly rectified it, though, and I don't see me changing my approach - I'll have that premium forward slot for most of the season.

Holly Shand (@HollyShand)

It's all on the table when it comes to analysing premium v mid-priced forwards this season and momentum may change due to fixtures. However, Michail Antonio (£8.0m) is incredible value and Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) is seriously overlooked.

Ben McNair (@drbenmcnair)

I wrote off Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.8m) before the season started but he has been a real live-wire and finds himself in the top 10 players for non-penalty expected goal involvements over the first seven Gameweeks.

The fact I am not tempted to bring him into my team indicates the wealth of value-for-money forwards available this season with the likes of Antonio, Raul Jimenez (£7.5m), Toney and Calvert-Lewin. Right now, having only three forward slots is forcing us into some really tough decisions.

Paul Gee (@FPLPaulGee)

I think the Gameweek 7 results proved we only need one premium asset in the striker position. Jimenez and Toney offer good mid-priced value.

Tom Cantle (@WGTA_FPL)

Tough decisions need to be made. The "threemium" set up didn't pay dividends beyond one headline week, and managers with Ronaldo and Lukaku may need to make a difficult call soon to aid flexibility

Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)

Most FPL managers started the season without a premium forward, but with the arrival of Lukaku and Ronaldo there has been a clamour to bring them both in.

However, the last few weeks have highlighted the value in players such as Jimenez, Toney, Hwang, Antonio and Ollie Watkins (£7.3m). There is no need to destroy your team’s budget structure for two premium forwards right now as the mid and lower-priced forwards are performing well.

Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12)

Seems like a category flooded with options at the moment, especially with Bamford and Calvert-Lewin being fit soon. One premium striker spot could be very handy with Lukaku and Ronaldo's arrival.