Managers are freshening up their forward lines ahead of the last Gameweek of 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League.
Three of the six most-sold players ahead of Sunday’s 14:30 BST deadline are forwards, with Alexander Isak (£9.4m) leading the way on 226,000+ transfers out after he missed Newcastle United’s defeat at Arsenal last weekend due to injury.
Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood (£7.2m) and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush (£7.4m) are also making way, with both sold by over 45,000 managers.
Who are the most in-form forwards?
A look at each player's last four matches highlights the form of Brentford's Yoane Wissa (£6.9m).
He is the top-scoring forward in Fantasy over Gameweeks 34-37, producing 25 points thanks to three goals and an assist.
Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Matheus Cunha (£7.1m) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (£5.2m) have each been involved in three goals, second only to Wissa. The latter has averaged 6.3 points per start (pps) during this spell.
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins (£9.1m), who is the most-bought forward in the Gameweek, has produced a goal and an assist across his last four outings. The Aston Villa star has averaged 5.3pps, identical to Everton's Iliman Ndiaye (£5.2m) and Fulham's Raul Jimenez (£5.3m).
Crystal Palace's Eddie Nketiah (£5.9m) has started two of the last four Gameweeks. He collected 15 of his 16 points over that spell in those two first XI outings, including two goals and 13 points at home to Wolves on Tuesday evening.
Attacking output, last four matches
| Player | Goals | Assists | Pts | Pts per start |
| Nketiah | 2 | 0 | 16 | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wissa | 3 | 1 | 25 | 6.3 |
| Strand Larsen | 2 | 1 | 20 | 6.3 |
| Cunha | 1 | 2 | 18 | 5.7 |
| Jimenez | 2 | 0 | 21 | 5.3 |
| Ndiaye | 2 | 0 | 17 | 5.3 |
| Watkins | 1 | 1 | 16 | 5.3 |
| Gakpo | 2 | 0 | 20 | 5.0 |
| Isak | 2 | 0 | 19 | 4.8 |
Who has had the greatest goal threat?
The underlying numbers show why Nketiah has thrived despite his limited minutes. His total of six big chances - situations where the player is expected to score - are more than any other forward.
Wissa again stands out. His five big chances and 12 shots in the box are each just one off top spot here.
Isak's numbers also show why his remaining 55 per cent backers should hold on to the Swede until there is an update on his injury from head coach Eddie Howe later in the week.
The Newcastle star's 13 shots in the box place joint-top along with Jimenez. Indeed, that matches the combined total of Watkins and AFC Bournemouth's Evanilson (£5.8m), who is the second most-bought forward in Gameweek 38.
Goal threat, last four matches
| Player | Shots | Shots in box | Goal conv. | Big chances |
| Nketiah | 9 | 9 | 22.2% | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wissa | 13 | 12 | 23.1% | 5 |
| Beto | 12 | 10 | 16.7% | 5 |
| Isak | 13 | 13 | 15.4% | 4 |
| Evanilson | 8 | 7 | 12.5% | 4 |
| Watkins | 6 | 6 | 16.7% | 4 |
| Jimenez | 15 | 13 | 13.3% | 3 |
| Wood | 11 | 10 | 9.1% | 3 |
Which forwards are facing the worst defences?
The team defensive data can also help determine your top target for Gameweek 38.
Tottenham Hotspur's defensive statistics could spell good news for Brighton & Hove Albion's Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) on Sunday.
Across their last four matches, Spurs have conceded 10 goals and 15 big chances - both more than any other side.
Manchester United's statistics also look encouraging for the prospects of Watkins. Similarly to Spurs, they have recently rotated heavily due to their progression in the UEFA Europa League.
Fulham are also among the five clubs who have conceded at least three big chances per match over their last four matches.
That could give Manchester City duo Erling Haaland (£14.9m) and Marmoush the chance to finish the season strongly. They are among the six most-owned forwards in Fantasy, selected by 23 and 22 per cent respectively.
Team defensive stats, last four matches
| Club | Goals conc. | Clean sheets | Big chances conc. |
| Spurs | 10 | 0 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 6 | 1 | 15 |
| Man Utd | 8 | 0 | 13 |
| Liverpool | 9 | 0 | 12 |
| Fulham | 9 | 0 | 12 |
So, who are the best forwards for Gameweek 38?
While the statistics can go a long way to helping your decisions, the race for European places has to be factored in here.
In a Gameweek which is notorious for rotation, picking players from clubs with that added bit of motivation could ultimately make the difference.
If Isak is fit, the statistics show that he can prove decisive for Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League ambitions at home to Everton. Indeed, he is one of the best captain options for Gameweek 38.
Similarly, Watkins’ appeal is clearly aided by Man Utd’s defensive numbers. Meanwhile, Wissa’s statistics – and form – show why Brentford can be relied upon at Wolves.
In the event that Isak is ruled out, Evanilson – at home to Leicester City - or Welbeck, with Brighton pushing for a place in Europe next season, look like the standout replacements.